Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 21 (ANI): Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said he was excited to welcome the makers of the Bollywood film 'Ishqa', which will become the first Bollywood feature film to be shot in Cyprus.

Christodoulides said that Cyprus is working hard to sign the European Union with India-the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year.

He said, 'The first Bollywood movie in Cyprus. I am looking forward to receiving you this summer. I am sure that this is going to be the beginning of a lot of more cooperation. It is a great word of confidence for Cyprus, and I am sure that you will enjoy it.'

He also added, 'We are excited for the collaboration in this sector. Last year, we had the honour of receiving PM Modi in Cyprus in June. It was a visit after 22 years. It was the beginning of a new era in our relationship. We have turned a page and we are working very closely together in all sectors, including filming.'

Christodoulides added that he would return to India soon.

'Cyprus currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union. We are very glad that during the first week of our presidency, we had the announcement of the very important agreement of the European Union with India - the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). We are working hard to sign this agreement by the end of the year. Cyprus is the entry point, the gateway of India in Europe. And that's why I'm here and be sure that it's not going to be the last time, I will be back,' he said.

Meanwhile, Anjali Bhushan Mago, who began her career assisting Karan Johar on 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' 31 years ago, has joined hands with ace composer duo Meet Bros, best known for chartbusters like 'Baby Doll' and 'Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan', to launch their production house Yantra Films with the unveiling of their first film, 'Ishqa', a romantic dramedy, that will be shot in Cyprus.

The film, which is also written and directed by Anjali, shall be the first-ever Bollywood feature film to be shot, co-produced and post-produced in Cyprus under the CIPA Scheme, marking a significant cultural and cinematic collaboration between India and Cyprus, according to the press release. (ANI)