the High Commissioner of Cyprus to IndiA

In an exclusive conversation with the High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides of Cyprus to India, we delve into the dynamic and evolving relationship between Cyprus and India. This dialogue, titled ‘Cyprus-India: Unfolding Synergies’, explores the mutual growth and opportunities that have emerged from this bilateral relationship. As we navigate through this enlightening discussion, we uncover the shared history, cultural exchanges, economic collaborations, and future prospects that bind these two nations together. 

by Amit Mittal

Q) As the eighth largest foreign direct investor in India, can you quantify Cyprus’s total investment and highlight the sectors that predominantly attract this investment? 

According to the Central Bank of Cyprus, the amount of outward FDI (stocks) to India during the period January to December 2021, amounted to €107.8 million, while in the same period in 2022, it amounted to €117.4 million, reflecting marginal increase. Statistics for 2023 will be available by April 2024.

                        12/31/2021                                                     12/31/2022

                OUTWARD   INWARD                       OUTWARD           INWARD

FDI Stocks    107.8           C                                    117.4                       C

Q) What is the current volume of bilateral trade between India and Cyprus, and how has it evolved over recent years?

Bilateral trade between Cyprus and India has steadily increased over the recent years. The trade value between the two countries for the period April 2020- March 2021 was around US$ 114.09 Million, while for the period April 2021- March 2022, it amounted to US$ 214.17 Million.

Major items of export from India include Organic Chemicals, Pharmaceutical Products, Iron & Steel, Ceramic products, Electrical Machinery and Equipment, Sound Recorders and Reproducers, Television Image and parts and accessories of such articles.

Major items of export from Cyprus include Ships, Boats and Floating Structures, Aluminum and articles thereof, Pulp of Wood or of other Fibrous Cellulosic Material, recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard, Copper and articles thereof, Iron and Steel, Boilers, Machinery and Mechanical Appliances. 

Q) Could you elucidate the controversy surrounding the flag of Cyprus, and clarify the distinction between the flags of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot administration?

Firstly, I would like to put the Cyprus issue in correct perspective. In terms of international law, including the UN Charter and European Law, there is only one state in Cyprus i.e. the Republic of Cyprus. As regards the northern part of Cyprus, it must be clarified that Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, and continues to occupy illegally almost 37% of Cyprus’ territory in the north. It established a puppet regime in the said part of Cyprus in 1983, which has no legality in the eyes of the UN and international law. There are specific UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus (541/83 and 550/84) which call on the International Community not to assist nor recognize this illegal entity, which as a result and because of Cyprus positioning, has not been, until today, recognized by any country with the sole exception of Turkey.

Q) Is it accurate to describe Cyprus as being geopolitically divided into Turkish and Greek segments, with the former constituting one-third and the latter two-thirds of the island?

The Government of Cyprus continues to make efforts to start the negotiation process for the reunification of the island, under the UN framework. It must be reminded that Cyprus considers the Turkish Cypriot Compatriots as its citizens and within this policy the Government of Cyprus provides necessary assistance to them, including granting them passports, pensions to widows, offering job training opportunities, medical assistance, expanding trade cooperation with them and easing movements of the two communities through the 8 checkpoints along the UN-controlled buffer zone.

Q) In the context of Cyprus’s division, do residents of the Turkish and Greek parts hold distinct nationalities?

The majority of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots hold and use Cypriot passports and identity cards for international travel and the Cyprus Government facilitates the issuance of the same to them. In the occupied part, there are a number of illegal immigrants, brought over by Turkey after the 1974 invasion. These people are considered to be in Cyprus illegally and therefore are not able to hold the Cyprus nationality.

Q) With a history of Indian Generals serving in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus, does the country maintain its independent military forces?

Of course, like any other country, Cyprus also has its defence services, which include all three wings known as National Guard, Cyprus Navy and Cyprus Air Command.

As regards the UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the Force has been mandated to maintain peace between the two communities in Cyprus. Needless to say, India has great contributions to the UNFICYP with three Indian generals having served as commander of the force in the past. The Government of Cyprus appreciates this contribution.

Q) Could you highlight the key sectors in Cyprus that present promising investment opportunities for Indian investors, particularly in the post-pandemic economic landscape.

The focused sectors for attracting investment to Cyprus include high technology, shipping, pharmaceutical, innovation, and research and development.

To this end, Cyprus has introduced a new strategy including for attracting foreign skilled talent to Cyprus. This strategy includes a series of new incentives concerning residency, taxation, and employment, through a fast, simple, and streamlined procedure. The national investment agency of Cyprus called Invest Cyprus provides fast and efficient services to foreign businesses, wishing to set up a presence in Cyprus or to expand their business activities. 

Moreover, the tourism sector stands out as one of the most lucrative sectors for Indian businesses to invest in Cyprus in terms of opportunities in hotel chains and tourism and infrastructure and services.

Cyprus serves as a gateway to Europe, as it is strategically located in the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. Indian businesses can benefit from the vibrant hotel and travel sector of the Cyprus economy, by investing and collaborating with the hotel chains and travel agents in Cyprus.

Q) What initiatives is Cyprus undertaking to promote renewable energy, and how can Indian businesses contribute to or benefit from these initiatives?

Cyprus has recently joined the International Solar Alliance, signalling a significant step towards fostering collaboration in the realm of solar energy. With its abundant sunlight throughout the year, Cyprus presents an ideal environment for harnessing the solar power. The membership to the International Solar Alliance opens up avenues for substantial cooperation in advancing solar energy cooperation between Cyprus and India.

Q) How is Cyprus collaborating with India on climate action, and what joint efforts are being made to address climate change challenges?

Being a country situated at the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, Cyprus is concerned about the impact of climate change, as it itself is highly vulnerable and experiencing more climate change impact as compared to the global average.

In the framework of its initiative, Cyprus is engaged in collective and regional action such as the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI), initiated by it in 2019. Moreover, Cyprus will host in April 2024 the First Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on the Sustainable Use of the Ocean that aims to establish the principles, priorities and actions that will govern the future Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.

In terms of cooperation with India, our two countries signed an MoU in the field of Environment during the Presidential visit to Cyprus from India in 2018, which has the provision of joint efforts for addressing climate change.

Q)  What strategies is Cyprus implementing to attract tourists from India, and are there any specific areas of cooperation in the tourism sector between the two countries?

To boost two-way tourism, an Agreement on Tourism Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of the Republic of India has been in place since 1996.

The most important development with respect to Cyprus’ strategy to promote Cyprus as an attractive tourism destination was the transformation of the Cyprus Trade Organization into a specific Deputy Ministry of Tourism. This ministry has been powered to develop a national strategy for tourism, promotion and projection of Cyprus as a tourist destination, as well as implementation of tourism legislation.

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has undertaken and plans to promote Cyprus as a tourist destination for Indian citizens, through various activities including hosting in Cyprus selected Influencers, presentations to travel agents in India and participating in tourism exhibitions in India. The High Commission in New Delhi facilitates tourist visa applications.

Furthermore, there is a proposal under consideration for a direct flight from India to Cyprus. Once implemented, this initiative is expected to significantly enhance tourism activities between the two countries.

Q) Can you share insights into any existing or planned cultural exchange programs that aim to strengthen the diplomatic ties between Cyprus and India?

The Cyprus Film Festival is planned to be organized in Kolkata later this year. Efforts are underway to fulfill the necessary requirements and make arrangements that will enhance the overall experience of this upcoming event. 

In terms of bilateral framework for cultural cooperation, there is a cultural cooperation agreement between the two countries since 1980. Consequently, both sides have signed numerous periodic executive programs in order to enhance educational and Cultural exchanges. The new program for the period of 2024-2027, is currently under consideration and will hopefully be signed shortly.

Q) In what ways are Cyprus and India working together to enhance bilateral trade, and what are the priority areas for future economic cooperation?

Last year, the Cyprus Trade Centre in New Delhi was inaugurated with the aim of boosting trade for Cypriot exporters. Companies interested in expanding their business in India can now apply through the Export Help Desk portal, where the Trade Centre assists in establishing their presence. The officials of the Trade Centre are actively engaged in various trade conferences and seminars, facilitating networking opportunities for Cypriot exporters.

They proactively share pertinent information about these events with counterparts in Cyprus, enabling them to consider attendance and showcase their products in the Indian market. This collaborative effort ensures effective communication and facilitates the participation of Cypriot businesses in Indian events, providing them with opportunities to exhibit and promote their products.

Q) How do Cyprus’s policies align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and what role does India play in supporting these goals within Cyprus?

At the Governance level for the SDGs, Cyprus is implementing a project in cooperation with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) aiming towards a whole-of-Government approach in implementing a sustainable Development Agenda and at a stronger partnership with all stakeholders.   

Cyprus is also coordinating efforts to implement projects, initiatives and actions reflect its commitment towards achieving the vision of the 2030 UN Agenda. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan is a key tool towards Cyprus’ effective green and digital transition while leaving no one behind.

Q) Are there any educational partnerships or exchange programs between Cypriot and Indian universities that aim to foster mutual understanding and Collaboration?

A Cultural Agreement between Cyprus and India is in place since 1980. Consequently, both sides have signed numerous periodic executive programs in order to enhance educational and Cultural exchanges. The new program for the period of 2024-2027, is currently under consideration and will hopefully be signed shortly.

In order to promote Higher Education, the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth in Cyprus establishes a booth every year at European Higher Education Virtual Fair. This event serves as a platform where all European countries showcased their booths, providing a unique opportunity for students to explore educational options. Attendees were able to apply directly and engage in one-to-one discussions with universities, facilitating a seamless exchange of information and fostering connections between prospective students and educational institutions. 

Moreover, we have recently received a request from the University Grants Commission in India concerning the collaboration of Cypriot universities in India. We have promptly shared this information with the Ministries of Education, Sports, and Youth in Cyprus, urging them to take note of the request and inform us about any potential collaboration opportunities.

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