Latest news with #CouncilofNicosia
Deccan Herald
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Cyprus lawmaker touches PM Modi's feet during welcome ceremony
#WATCH | Cyprus | Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, Member of Council of Nicosia, while welcoming PM Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia, touched PM Modi's feet as a mark of respect. The PM appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture.
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Council Member greets PM Modi in customary Indian way in Cyprus
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 16 (ANI): In a novel gesture, the member of the Council of Nicosia touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet as a mark of respect during PM's visit to the mediterranean country. The member of council of the country's capital city, Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, while welcoming PM Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia, touched PM's feet as mark of respect. Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured her gesture and also placed a hand on her head. With folded hands, he smiled and appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. While in Cyprus, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Order of Makarios III, is named after Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour. He stated that honour symbolises their unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of people of two nations. 'This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.' I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude,' he said. 'This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus,' he added. PM Modi had arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International Airport. Upon arrival in Cyprus, the official information page wrote in a post on X that the visit of PM Modi is 'an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations between Cyprus and India.' PM Modi also received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Limassol. PM Modi and Cyprus President also interacted with leading CEOs during the business roundtable. (ANI)
NDTV
9 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
In Cyprus, A Surprise Greeting For PM Modi, Local Official Touches His Feet
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while on a visit to Cyprus, got an unexpected Indian greeting from one of the officials there. Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, Member of Council of Nicosia, while welcoming PM Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia, touched his feet as mark of respect. The gesture was appreciated by the Prime Minister, who applauded her knowledge of Indian culture. Reports and videos of the exchange, which took place yesterday, were noticed and commented on by many. Calling it a "deeply moving moment", Union Minister Pralhad Joshi posted on X, formerly Twitter: "This heartfelt exchange reflects how India's timeless values of humility and reverence are resonating across the world. PM Modi's gracious response symbolises India's growing global stature and cultural influence with dignity and warmth". In a deeply moving moment in the historic centre of Nicosia, Council Member Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa bowed to touch the feet of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji - a gesture of profound respect. This heartfelt exchange reflects how India's timeless values of humility and... — Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) June 16, 2025 Earlier, PM Modi and the Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides held delegation-level talks in Nicosia. PM Modi has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III -- the highest civilian honour awarded in Cyprus, named after the first President of the Republic. The honour is conferred on heads of state and others of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation. "This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians... I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding," PM Modi had said in his acceptance speech. This visit to Cyprus -- part of PM Modi's three-nation tour that includes the G7 summit in Canada -- has considerable strategic implications for India, especially in the backdrop of Pakistan's growing ties with Turkey. During the recent Pakistani aggression against India following Operation Sindoor, the Pakistani army had used Turkish drones and other missiles. Nicosia had earlier supported India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council. Cyprus -- expected to assume Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year -- has now emerged as a strategic ally in the Mediterranean as India expands partnerships in that zone.
News18
10 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Cyprus Lawmaker Touches PM Modi's Feet During Welcome Ceremony In Nicosia
Last Updated: PM Modi acknowledged the moment graciously and appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. In an exemplary display of respect and reverence, Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, a member of Council of Nicosia, touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet when he arrived at the historic Centre of Nicosia along with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. PM Modi acknowledged the moment graciously and appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. The gesture reflects India's rising global presence and the deepening cultural bonds shared with nations across the world. #WATCH | Cyprus | Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, Member of Council of Nicosia, while welcoming PM Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia, touched PM Modi's feet as a mark of respect. The PM appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture. — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2025 PM Modi toured the capital city of Nicosia, which remains divided Turkey and Cyprus, and was photographed against the backdrop of the flag of the Turkish-controlled north — a moment analysts interpreted as a subtle but firm geopolitical signal. Earlier today, PM Modi held held delegation-level talks with Christodoulides to discuss a range of issues to boost the bilateral ties. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at the Presidential Palace ahead of the talks. This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decades. PM Modi's Cyprus Visit PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. After Cyprus, he is scheduled to visit Canada for the G7 summit, followed by a trip to Croatia. During his visit, PM Modi was honoured with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian award in Cyprus. 'Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the Prime Minister said after accepting the honour. The Order of Makarios III, named after Cyprus's first President Archbishop Makarios III, is the nation's most prestigious knighthood. Dedicating the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, Modi said it symbolised the enduring trust and friendship between India and Cyprus. 'I am confident that in the times ahead, our vibrant partnership will reach new heights. Together, we will not only advance the progress of our nations but also contribute to building a peaceful and secure world," he added.
