Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III,' the highest honour of Cyprus, by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday, June 16. PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Cyprus President and dedicated the award to 140 crore Indians. "This is an honour not just to Narendra Modi but to 140 crore Indians."
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PM Modi said, "This is an honour to their capabilities and aspirations. This is an honour to our culture, brotherhood, and the ideology of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." He also dedicated the award to relations between India and Cyprus, which are shared in terms of mutual understanding.
"On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with great humility and thankfulness. This award is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, regional integrity and our people," PM Modi said.
"I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment," PM Modi said.
PM Mod also posted a message after receiving Cyprus' highest civilian award: " I am Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," PM Modi wrote on X.
Earlier, Narendra Modi was accorded an official welcome by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. PM Modi arrived in the island nation on Sunday afternoon (local time) as part of his three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia.