The informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format, chaired by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, began today (16 July) in New York. On Thursday, Guterres will hold bilateral meetings with the delegations at the UN headquarters.
The meeting brings together leaders of five delegations: President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Türkiye, Giorgos Gerapetritis and Hakan Fidan respectively, and UK Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty.
Guterres noted that this informal meeting aims to advance cooperation and build trust between the two communities on the island. It follows the first gathering held in Geneva on 17–18 March.
In Geneva, Tatar and Christodoulides discussed initiatives to strengthen mutual confidence — including opening four new crossing points, demining activities, creating a technical committee on youth, joint work on environmental and climate issues (such as impacts on mining areas), solar energy projects in the buffer zone, and the restoration of cemeteries.
At this meeting, discussions will continue on these six cooperation areas, as confirmed by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
On Monday, Republic of Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a springboard for the resumption of meaningful negotiations, with respect to relevant UN Security Council resolutions and agreed frameworks.
Letymbiotis reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’s commitment to a sustainable solution that ensures security and benefits both communities.
Türkiye has consistently emphasised the importance of equal status, sovereign equality, and a realistic approach that takes into account the realities on the island. Ankara underlines that a lasting settlement should be mutually acceptable, and supports continued dialogue under the UN’s auspices.
The United Kingdom, as a guarantor power, has reiterated its support for a just and lasting settlement, welcoming efforts to deepen cooperation. The UK also maintains Sovereign Base Areas on the island, serving regional security needs, and contributes to the UN Peacekeeping Force through Operation TOSCA.
The ongoing discussions in New York reflect the shared understanding that stability in Cyprus is closely linked to wider regional dynamics. As the talks progress, the focus remains on fostering practical cooperation and creating conditions for a comprehensive settlement that respects the rights and aspirations of both communities.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy S...
Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad on Saturday for Pakistan-mediated talks ...
Iran is pursuing a dual-track strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, balancing cooperation with South Korea while increasing military pressure, as tensi...
Around 14% of Central Asia’s population - about 12 million people - are facing food shortages, according to the United Nations. The...
The U.S. and the European Union are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to establish a partnership on the procurement and productio...
The foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Tahsin Ertugruloglu has strongly criticised the UN Security Council, accusing it of depriving the Turkish Cypriot people for six decades through failed negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that talks on the future of Cyprus had made progress for the first time in years, with both sides agreeing a series of initiatives including the opening of crossing points.
The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday, exclusively to Reuters.
Two local trains collided head-on north of Copenhagen on Thursday (23 April), injuring 17 people, five of them critically, according to emergency services.
The U.S. military is redirecting at least three Iranian-flagged tankers after intercepting them in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Tehran said U.S. breaches, blockades and threats are undermining “genuine negotiations.”
The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iran under Pakistani mediation.
China has urged the European Union to take its concerns seriously over new cybersecurity and digital regulations, warning they could create difficulties for Chinese companies operating in Europe.
Russia and Ukraine have swapped prisoners of war, according to officials on both sides. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 193 prisoners, including soldiers and border guards, had been returned from Russia, some injured and facing criminal charges.
Türkiye and the United Kingdom on Thursday signed a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement to boost bilateral cooperation, especially in defence. The deal, signed in London, signals a “new era” in relations between the two NATO allies.
The U.S. and the European Union are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to establish a partnership on the procurement and production of critical minerals, the U.S. State Department confirmed late on Thursday.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment