In his remarks at the dinner, Anastasiades noted the bonds between the two countries stretched back to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, following the end of India’s and Cyprus’ struggle against colonialism.

“In fact, the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios, and the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru, were among the protagonists of the Non-Aligned Movement,” he noted.

Anastasiades also said that the tangible proof of the affinity by the Cypriot people to the Indian spirit can be witnessed by the monuments raised and the streets named in honour of the legacy and achievements of Ghandi and Nehru, as well as UNFICYP force commanders.