Nicosia, Nov 1 (IANS) Cyprus has expressed its support for a permanent seat for India in an expanded UN Security Council.
Cyprus President Demetris Christofias while speaking Saturday at a state banquet in honour of visiting Indian President Pratibha Patil said his country considers India a very important country at the regional and international level, Xinhua reported.

“Should a decision on the reform of the UN Security Council be made, India would deserve a permanent seat in such a body which would have enhanced authority and would enjoy the highest possible approval,” he said.

The Indian President thanked Cyprus for “deep understanding” of India’s national aspirations.

“India values the consistent support that Cyprus has extended on issues of vital concern,” she added.

India and Cyprus have enjoyed traditional friendship. Indian leaders Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had personal friendship with Archbishop Makarios, Cyprus’ first president after independence.

Patil arrived in Cyprus Thursday evening following a state visit to Britain. She is the first Indian President to visit the island state in the last 20 years. Cyprus’ late President Tassos Papadopoulos visited India in 2006.