India and Cyprus are set to sign a range of agreements, including in the fields of defense and immigration, when Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar arrives in the country on Thursday, December 29.
In particular, the two countries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on defense and military cooperation and a document for the inclusion of Cyprus in the Global Solar Energy Alliance, demonstrating their commitment to cooperation on renewable energy.
In addition, India and Cyprus, which have bilateral trade totaling over $214 million, will sign a Declaration of Intent to begin negotiations with the goal of reaching an Agreement on immigration and mobility.
Describing the upcoming event as a "very important visit,” the Cypriot Foreign Ministry said the two sides will discuss bilateral ties and the prospects of “India’s participation in a regional mechanism.”
Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides will update Jaishankar on Turkey’s policies in the Eastern Mediterranean region, “particularly those creating obstacles to the Republic of Cyprus.”
On December 30, Jaishankar and Kasoulides will address the Cyprus-India Business Forum in Limassol, which will bring together representatives from the business sectors of both countries.
“Current regional issues of common interest, as well as ways in which India could play a role in the existing multilateral cooperation framework will also be discussed,” Cypriot Foreign Ministry spokesman Demetris Demetriou added.
The government in Nicosia could play a crucial role in India's quest for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).