Nicosia: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee arrived in Nicosia on October 7 on the first leg of his three-nation tour, declaring that India's concerns about terrorism would top the agenda of the talks with the leaders of Cyprus, Denmark and Britain.

New Delhi attaches considerable significance to its relations with Cyprus, which has shared India's concerns on terrorism and supports its candidature for a permanent seat in an enlarged United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Three agreements on co-operation in the field of public health and medical sciences, Information Technology and services and a cultural exchange programme for a three- year period will be signed during the visit.

India's ties with Cyprus have been characterised by their traditional warmth and closeness. The political relations between the two countries have been further consolidated through a series of high-level visits.

All the Presidents of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios, Spyros Kyprianou, George Vassiliou and Clerides, have paid state visits to India.

The Prime Minister will meet President of the House of Representatives Demetris Christofias, viewed as number two in the government, and the Mayor of Nicosia Michael Zampelas, during his stay.

Vajpayee will attend a reception hosted in his honour by the Indian High Commissioner.

The Indian community, which numbered around 200 a few years ago, now stands at 2000, a majority of them comprising professional software programmers. After the official welcome ceremony on October 8, Vajpayee will lay a wreath at the statue of late Cypriot President Archbishop Makarios II.

He will also offer floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi and undertake a visit to the Old City. President Clerides will host a state banquet in honour of the Prime Minister on October 8.

PTI