PM Modi in Cyprus: 'Humanity needs peace and stability, not war'

India-Cyprus ties get a boost as Modi pushes for trade, tourism and defence cooperation

- MPOST BUREAU

NICOSIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated his "not an era of war" message in Cyprus amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. As the conflict between the two regional superpowers in the Middle East entered the fourth day, PM Modi said "humanity needs peace and stability."

With Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides by his side, PM Modi said that both "expressed concern" over the conflicts in the Middle East.

"We both expressed concern over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not just limited to those regions. We both consider that this is not an era of war. Resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity," Modi said.

PM Modi said he and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides "expressed concern" over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe, and they both consider that "this is not an era of war".

In his remarks at a joint press conference with Christodoulides after their wide-ranging talks here, Modi also said that the "resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity".

Modi also thanked Cyprus for its support to India's fight against cross-border terrorism.

"We are thankful for Cyprus's support to India's fight against cross-border terrorism," said Modi, who is currently on an official visit to Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour.

This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decades. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at the Presidential Palace ahead of the talks.