India, Cyprus call for concerted action against cross-border terrorism
Nicosia (Cyprus), June 16 (UNI) India and Cyprus on Monday called for disruption of terrorism financing networks, elimination of safe havens, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly while Cyprus strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam.
The two countries emphasised the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained approach to combatting cross-border terrorism and underscored the importance of working collaboratively, bilaterally and with the multilateral system to eliminate the scourge.
In a joint declaration issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendera Modi and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides here, the two countries reiterated zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, rejecting any justification for such acts under any circumstances. They emphasized that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable while Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi is currently visiting Cyprus as part of his three-nation tour, primarily to attend the 51st G-7 Summit in Canada.
The two leaders urged all States to respect the sovereignty of other nations and condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral efforts to combat terrorism and called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
They called for concerted actions against all UN and EU-designated terrorists and terrorist entities, associated proxy groups, facilitators and sponsors, including terrorists under 1267 UNSC Sanctions Committee.
They unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability.
They reiterated their strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt terrorist financing channels including through the UN and Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Both leaders discussed the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including ways to make it more effective, efficient, and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges. The two leaders expressed support to forward movement in the Intergovernmental Negotiations on United Nations Security Council reform, and reiterated their commitment to make continuous efforts to move towards text-based negotiations.
Cyprus reiterated its support for the enhancement of the representative character of the United Nations Security Council expansion with India as a permanent member in an expanded United Nations Security Council.
They also agreed to engage in close cooperation and support each other at the United Nations including supporting each other's candidacies to multilateral forums.
Acknowledging emerging challenges within the international security environment, the leaders stressed the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy, defence readiness and defence capabilities. They agreed to deepen their defence and security cooperation, including through collaboration between their respective defence industries, with a special focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Recognizing both India and Cyprus as maritime nations with deep-rooted naval traditions, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation to include the maritime domain and encourage more regular port calls by Indian naval vessels exploring opportunities for joint maritime training and exercises to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional security.
In that vein, and in light of ongoing global crises, both sides committed to strengthening cooperation in emergency preparedness and coordinated crisis response. Drawing on past successful efforts, the leaders agreed to institutionalize coordination in evacuation and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
Earlier the President of Cyprus warmly welcomed the Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi's visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades, marks a historic milestone and reaffirms the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations. The visit celebrates not only a shared history, but a forward-looking partnership, rooted in a joint strategic vision and mutual trust and respect.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues, underscoring the growing breadth and depth of cooperation between Cyprus and India. They welcomed recent progress in economic, technological, and people-to-people ties, reflective of the dynamic and evolving nature of the relationship.
Acknowledging the increasing alignment of their values, interests, international outlook and vision, both sides expressed determination to further advancing this partnership across key sectors. They expressed commitment to deepening their cooperation as trusted and indispensable partners contributing to regional and global peace, prosperity and stability.
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