国际英语新闻：Cyprus supports India's bid for UN Security Council seat

NICOSIA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus voiced its support Saturday for India's aspiration to be a permanent member in an expanded UN Security Council.

    Cyprus President Demetris Christofias told a state banquet in honor of visiting Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil that Cyprus considers India as a very important country, at the regional as well as at the international level.

    "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, on her part, 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. Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru of India had personal friendship with Archbishop Makarios, Cyprus' first president after independence.

    The two sides agreed that bilateral trade, at 68.7 million U.S. dollars in 2008, was far below potential. India wants to explore cooperation opportunities in fields of IT, technology and pharmaceuticals.

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