Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’, Cyprus’ highest civilian honor, in Cyprus during his visit on Monday. He dedicated the honour to the friendship of India and Cyprus. “Humbled to receive the ‘Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III’ of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Earlier, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed Narendra Modi in an official capacity at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. After the ceremony, two leaders introduced their respective delegations and continued with bilateral discussions. It is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Cyprus.
PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon (local time) as part of his three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. Upon arrival at Larnaca International Airport, PM Modi was welcomed by President Christodoulides, and then received a warm welcome by members of the Indian diaspora in Limassol.
Upon arrival, PM Modi and President Christodoulides met with leading CEOs from both countries regarding enhanced commercial ties particularly in the areas of innovation, energy and technology to name a few.
Modi, Cyprus President Meet CEOs To Boost Business Ties
“Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus… I also talked about India’s reform trajectory in the last decade,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
The Cyprus Presidency echoed the sentiment, saying the two countries were entering a new era of strategic partnership. “Together, Cyprus and India send a strong message of cooperation and prosperity,” it said in a post on X. Ahead of his departure, PM Modi emphasised the significance of the visit.
“Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon historical bonds and expand our ties in trade, investment, security, technology, and promote people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a statement.
