The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is expected to be the focus of President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to India on May 20–23.
During a briefing on Friday for journalists at the Presidential Palace, when asked what is expected from the President’s upcoming trip to India, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that it is a very important visit. “The President of the Republic, in addition to the relevant ministers whose portfolios are related to the visit’s objectives, will also be accompanied by a business delegation, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between these two countries.”
He added that the two countries have historically had very close ties, but in recent years “we are seeing a significant upgrade and, even more so, the prospect of a further significant upgrade of these relations.”
In this context, he said, the IMEC Corridor (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) fits in, which the Government Spokesperson described as an “ambitious plan,” in which the Republic of Cyprus wishes to play a role as a gateway, not only geographically, but even more so diplomatically and politically.
“It is well known that, in fact, the discussion regarding the IMEC corridor and the catalytic role that Cyprus, together with other Mediterranean states, can play in its implementation and execution has been at the center of all our recent contacts.”
Moreover, he said, the decisions that have been taken and the projects being promoted by the Republic of Cyprus are also relevant, given their connection to the IMEC Corridor, particularly regarding supply chains and beyond.
“Therefore, the discussion will have its own value and significance, and, even more so, the promotion of what will be discussed during this visit.”
The Government Spokesperson noted that what President Christodoulides seeks in every visit is for them to be accompanied by a specific and detailed record of the agreed deliverables, along with implementation timelines.
“I believe it is now clear that the rapid implementation of bilateral agreements, of great importance and value to the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union, many of which we have seen in practice are not merely pieces of paper, but have value, have substance, and are of great significance to the very existence of our country”, he concluded.
