The appointment of United Nations envoy in Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin signals a clear way forward in regard to the Cyprus issue, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Saturday

“The fact that the Secretary-General of the UN appointed his Personal Envoy for Cyprus demonstrates two things. First, that the Cyprus issue is high on the Organisation’s agenda and second, that if we want progress, there is one path: dialogue,” he told Greek news website mononews.gr.

Referring to his meeting with Holguin at the foreign ministry in Athens on Thursday, he stressed that they held “productive” talks, adding that recent momentum on the Cyprus issue had been supported by improved Greek-Turkish relations.

“In the last two years there has been significant movement, to which the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations has clearly contributed. It is important to maintain it,” he said.

Gerapetritis also pointed to the “tangible results” of the informal expanded meeting held in March, calling it a key initiative of UNSG Antonio Guterres.

“It is important that what was agreed is implemented because the first goal is to build trust,” he emphasised.

He confirmed that preparations were underway for the next expanded informal meeting, underlining Greece’s commitment to maintaining a “constructive role”.