Nicosia [Cyprus], June 17 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III—the highest civilian honour of Cyprus—by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Monday.

The Order of Makarios III, named after the first president of the Republic of Cyprus, is the nation’s highest merit award and is conferred upon heads of state and other distinguished individuals in recognition of exceptional service to the country.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, PM Modi said, ‘President, for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, I express heartfelt gratitude to you, the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus. 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 further stated, ‘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.’

PM Modi expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to deepen: ‘I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment.’

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘An award dedicated to the trusted India-Cyprus friendship & 1.4 billion people of India. President @Christodulides conferred PM @narendramodi with the "Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III" of Cyprus. The honour reflects the enduring India-Cyprus bilateral partnership and shared commitment to work together for the common vision for peace, progress and prosperity.’

Earlier in the day, Christodoulides welcomed PM Modi at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where both leaders introduced their respective delegates. Jaiswal also posted: ‘Strengthening ties with a trusted partner. PM @narendramodi was warmly received by President @Christodulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia today and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Official talks lie ahead.’

PM Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by President Christodoulides at Larnaca International Airport and greeted warmly by the Indian diaspora in Limassol.

Later, PM Modi and President Christodoulides participated in a business roundtable with leading CEOs from both nations. During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted India's reform trajectory over the last decade and identified key sectors—such as innovation, energy, and technology—as areas of mutual potential.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, ‘Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus. Sectors like innovation, energy, technology and more offer immense potential. I also talked about India's reform trajectory in the last decade.’

The Cyprus Presidency, in its own post on X, said, ‘Roundtable discussion with the Indian Prime Minister and members of the Cyprus and Indian business communities: Today, we are building more bridges; we are deepening and expanding economic cooperation between Cyprus and India. Together, we are entering a new era of strategic partnership, founded on trust and our shared values, driven by innovation and inspired by our rich historical journey and the vast horizon that opens before us. Together, Cyprus and India send a strong message of cooperation and prosperity, and at the same time, a message of hope.’

(ANI)