The government is doing everything in its power to secure a positive outcome in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, President, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Sunday, welcoming the visit of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, in Cyprus, as a result, as he noted, of “our own systematic efforts.”

Speaking to reporters following a memorial service in Limassol district, the President reaffirmed his readiness to participate in a trilateral meeting with Holguín and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, should Tatar respond positively.

Asked whether a new meeting between him and Holguín has been scheduled, the President said that they would definitely meet again in the coming days, depending on the envoy’s own ongoing contacts.

He also expressed satisfaction that the government’s efforts on the Cyprus issue are yielding results.

“I’m pleased that despite the difficulties, problems, and challenges, our efforts are yielding results. No one expected we would have a new personal envoy. Our actions brought about this development, and our actions led to a new, expanded meeting. We continue forward with clear political will,” Christodoulides said.

“I am glad Ms Holguín is in Cyprus as a result of our consistent efforts,” he added.

He explained that Holguín is in Cyprus with the sole aim of preparing the next expanded meeting, which is hoped to yield positive progress toward resuming negotiations.

He added that Holguín is expected to remain in Cyprus for several days, as Nicosia has requested, and will subsequently hold consultations in Turkey, Greece, the UK, and Brussels to ensure coordinated preparations.

When asked whether he was optimistic about a positive result, the President replied that the government is doing its utmost to make that happen. “We know where we want to go, and we are working toward that direction,” he said.

Security safeguards in new European architecture

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Invited to comment on the evolving framework of European security and concerns about a potential Turkish participation, the President stressed that before making statement it is wise for  people to study the facts. “We are here to safeguard the interests of the Republic of Cyprus,” Christodoulides said.

He added that Turkey’s interest in the matter is not necessarily a negative development for Cyprus and its broader strategic goals, including the Cyprus issue. However, he gave assurances that strict safeguards are in place, including mechanisms requiring unanimous approval for participation, effectively limiting Turkey’s involvement in relevant programs.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17-18. The two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.

The UN Secretary-General announced in early May the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, who is tasked to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him. Holguín completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.

The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holguín.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.