UN Secretary-General António Guterres has assured President Nikos Christodoulides that he will continue working for concrete progress towards the resumption of Cyprus negotiations until the final day of his term, the President said.
Speaking at an event organised by the Cypriot diaspora in New York on Friday, Christodoulides referred to his meeting with Guterres, during which he presented new ideas concerning the substance and methodology of the negotiating process, as well as confidence-building measures that could pave the way for renewed talks.
According to the President, the Turkish side responded negatively to the proposals.
Christodoulides said the ideas were positively received by Guterres and demonstrated in practice the Greek Cypriot side’s political will. He described Turkey’s position as negative, arguing that Ankara was in a weak position because it was refusing even a simple meeting to explore prospects on the basis of new ideas.
Guterres to continue efforts
The President highlighted what he described as two “very important facts” emerging from his contacts in New York.
First, he said Guterres would continue working until his final day in office to secure the resumption of negotiations, an effort fully supported by the Greek Cypriot side.
Second, Christodoulides said his meeting with the five permanent representatives of the permanent members of the UN Security Council established that neither the basis for a Cyprus settlement nor the negotiating acquis would change following the appointment of a new Secretary-General.
“My message to those choosing a negative approach in the hope that these will be set aside when the Secretary-General’s term ends is that this will under no circumstances happen,” he said.
Christodoulides stressed that this was the clear position expressed by all five permanent Security Council members.
‘We will not reconcile ourselves with occupation’
Referring to the 1974 Turkish invasion, Christodoulides said that 52 years later, occupation, division, displacement and violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms continued in European Cyprus.
However many years pass, he said, the Republic of Cyprus would not and could never reconcile itself with occupation.
The government’s main priority remains the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the agreed framework, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the principles, values and law of the European Union.
“We will not stop for a single moment until that blessed day of liberation and reunification,” he said.
Christodoulides praises Cypriot diaspora
Turning to the Cypriot community in the United States, Christodoulides said every meeting with the diaspora was particularly important and expressed his affection and interest for Cypriots living abroad.
He described the Federation of Cypriot American Organisations and its member organisations as Cyprus’ strongest and most reliable voice in the United States.
Christodoulides highlighted their contribution to developing relations with the American political system and society, while also maintaining Cypriot identity among the diaspora.
He expressed particular satisfaction with the increasingly active participation of young Cypriots and Cypriot Americans in diaspora organisations and activities, as well as their achievements in business, technology, academia, politics and other fields.
The President said it was important to ensure that ties with Cyprus did not weaken over time but instead acquired new momentum, substance and leading figures.
Cypriot heritage, he added, represents a living relationship with the Cyprus of today and tomorrow, which must be passed from one generation to the next and strengthened.
Three members of diaspora honoured
John Josephakis, Stavros Kamilari and Despina Axiotakis were honoured during the event, with Christodoulides describing them as worthy ambassadors of Cyprus and thanking them for their contribution.
Josephakis was born in Famagusta and was forced to leave his city because of the 1974 Turkish invasion. He subsequently built a notable career in technology and innovation, eventually reaching a senior position at NVIDIA.
Christodoulides said he met Josephakis in Houston during his 2025 visit to the United States aimed at attracting investment to Cyprus.
According to the President, NVIDIA is now investing in Cyprus, contributing to efforts to develop the infrastructure and skills needed in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
Keeping memory of Kyrenia alive
Stavros Kamilari, who originates from Agios Georgios in Kyrenia, arrived in the United States as a refugee following the Turkish invasion.
Christodoulides said Kamilari built his life and professional career in the US without distancing himself from Cyprus.
For more than 20 years, he has served the community through his work with Lampousa, helping to preserve the memory of the occupied land and the hope of return.
Strengthening Cyprus-US business ties
Christodoulides also praised Despina Axiotakis for her 27 years in the leadership of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce and her wider involvement in diaspora affairs.
He said she had made a substantial contribution towards strengthening Cyprus-US economic and business relations.
At the same time, he said, Axiotakis had remained at the forefront of the diaspora’s campaigns and efforts towards the reunification of Cyprus.
Government focused on strengthening Cyprus
Christodoulides said that since taking office, his government had worked to strengthen all of Cyprus’ sources of power, including the economy, deterrence capabilities and diplomatic presence.
He referred to efforts to strengthen citizens’ sense of security and to what he described as the government’s economic achievements, which allow further investment in education, healthcare, the welfare state and housing.
In foreign policy, Christodoulides said Cyprus was following a clear Western orientation, while also highlighting what he described as the country’s successful Presidency of the Council of the EU.
A country facing internal weaknesses and economic problems could not make strong demands abroad, he argued, adding that Cyprus had an obligation to strengthen its international position.
‘Limitless’ opportunities with the US
On relations with the United States, Christodoulides said the scope for cooperation was “limitless”, pointing to the strategic relationship developed between the two countries across numerous sectors.
He also highlighted the diaspora’s contribution, referred to efforts to abolish visa requirements and establish direct connectivity between Cyprus and the US, and described bilateral relations as being at their best level ever.
Cyprus, he added, is an attractive destination because of its competitive advantages, including its geographical location, human resources and services.
Christodoulides said he plans to return to the United States before the end of 2026 to present the opportunities Cyprus offers as a business and investment destination.
Source: CNA
