Monday, April 17 2006 10:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Cyprus, a member of the 45-country Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), yesterday (Apr 16, 2006) supported India's desire for civil nuclear energy as the two countries explored the possibility of cooperation in the field.

In a joint statement issued at the end of five-day visit of Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos here, the two countries agreed to consider establishing direct air links as part of effort to promote two-way tourism.

Cyprus welcomed the India-US agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation and both sides agreed that such cooperation would help in addressing concerns relating to global energy security and environmental protection, the statement said.

Cyprus conveyed its support for India's efforts for the promotion of full civilian nuclear energy cooperation for the benefit of its economic development and prosperity of its people, it said.

During the visit, both sides noted that they considered energy sector as a high priority area and India expressed its willingness to share its expertise with that country in this regard.

The two sides discussed the possibilities of forging long-term collaboration in promoting innovative energy renewable applications and rational use of energy and deployment of energy thematic park in Cyprus, it said.

Papadoupoulos invited President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to pay an official visit to his country at a mutually-convenient time which were warmly accepted.