President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Cyprus and India and expressed the intention for further developing bilateral relations in all areas and at all levels.In the framework of Patil’s official visit to Cyprus the two leaders met yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where an official ceremony took place.Speaking after the meeting, President Christofias said that the bilateral relations between Cyprus and India are excellent, as they are deeply rooted in time and have been through the common struggles for independence and within the Commonwealth and the Non – Aligned Movement of which, as he noted, Archbishop Makarios and Jawaharlal Nehru were co-founders.Christofias stated that the two leaders had cordial and substantial talks, during which they reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity between the Cypriot and Indian peoples and also their intention to develop bilateral relations even further in all areas and at all levels.“We attach great significance both to political and economic relations” the President said, underlining that Cyprus as a banking and financial services centre, can become a significance source through which foreign investments may be channeled to the rapidly developing economy of India.Among the issues discussed, was the perspective of India to become a permanent member of the Security Council.“We appreciate the contribution of India to the international political scene and we consider that if in the future a decision is made to reform the UN Security Council, India should be entitled to become a permanent member of this body” Christofias said.EU-India relations were also on the agenda. According to Christofias, the Republic of Cyprus will work towards further strengthening these relations within the Strategic Partnership framework and the Joint Action Plan.With regards to the Cyprus problem, the Cypriot President briefed his Indian counterpart on current developments, “the serious difficulties that the Greek Cypriot side is facing”, as he said, and Cyprus’ position regarding Turkey’s EU accession process.“Cyprus supports the full accession of Turkey to the EU but not unconditionally. Everyone must realize that Turkey should contribute positively to the efforts for a solution and fulfill its obligations. As long as Turkey’s position remains intransigent, the accession course cannot remain unaffected” the President said.President Patil said the close and trusted friendship between the two countries is deeply rooted and goes back to the struggles for independence.“The founders of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi , Jawaharlal Nehru and Archbishop Makarios shared a vision of a just world and bonds of personal friendship with each other” she added.As she stated, India considers Cyprus a time-tested and valuable ally and appreciate its support for India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council.She noted that the discussions with President Christofias covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues.According to Patil, the two Presidents reviewed the functioning of the institutional arrangements for dialogue between Cyprus and India and also the agreements signed in the past few years “which have created the necessary framework to enhance our relations.”The Indian President pointed out that economic development of Cyprus is a true success story.“India rejoices in the rapid development achieved by the people of the Republic of Cyprus” she noted, adding that given the orientation of Cyprus in developing knowledge-based and hi-technology industry as one of the pillars of the economy, possibilities for cooperation with India are numerous on both of these sectors but also in the fields of biotechnology, research and development projects, agro-food processing, financial services, pharmaceuticals, tourism, film industry, construction and automobiles.Regarding the political problem of Cyprus, Patil expressed the view that President Christofias’ initiatives have added momentum for resolving the long-standing Cyprus problem.She also noted that the enthusiasm of the people at the opening of the Ledra Street crossing after 45 long years signified the hope and the desire of many people for unity.In this framework Patil wished to the Cypriot President every success in achieving a solution of the Cyprus problem in accordance with the aspirations of Cyprus and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.