Cypriot leaders hold talks on UN-led path to formal negotiations

The leaders of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot administration convened for a meeting in the UN-patrolled buffer zone on Wednesday. TRNC President Tufan Erhurman, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, and UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin discussed proposals aimed at paving the way for formal negotiations on the long-standing Cyprus issue.

Leaders Exchange Proposals and Emphasize Dialogue

In a joint statement, the leaders confirmed they exchanged ideas to restart substantive talks and reiterated their dedication to advancing confidence-building measures (CBMs). President Erhurman, addressing reporters afterwards, characterized the meeting as "beneficial" rather than highly productive, stating it provided an opportunity for mutual listening. He underscored that "dialogue and diplomacy are always positive" and emphasized the necessity of accepting political equality, including effective participation and a rotating presidency, as a fundamental principle for any solution.

UN Envoy Describes a Dynamic, Ongoing Process

UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin issued a separate statement, calling direct dialogue essential for sharing views and hopes. She noted that the leaders reviewed progress on previously discussed CBMs, with some advances achieved, and would continue working toward agreements on outstanding measures. "Slow but we are continuing, leaders are on the path, they haven’t arrived yet," Holguin told the press, describing the process as dynamic. She also confirmed that the 5+1 informal format—involving the island's two sides, the guarantor powers Türkiye, Greece, and the UK, plus the UN—would not be abandoned for now.

Context of the Cyprus Dispute

The meeting represents another step in a protracted diplomatic process to resolve the division of the Eastern Mediterranean island. Türkiye, as a guarantor power for the TRNC under international treaties, consistently advocates for a just and lasting settlement based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the two peoples. The continuation of dialogue is seen as vital for regional stability, affecting not only Cyprus but also the broader security and cooperation dynamics in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.