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.
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