United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said he intends to convene another informal 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus issue once sufficient preparations have been completed.
Speaking after his trilateral meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, Guterres said both leaders and the three guarantor powers were willing to participate in a new expanded meeting.
Leaders commit to continued cooperation
During a press conference following the talks, Guterres expressed his appreciation for the reception he received during his first visit to Cyprus.
He said his discussions had demonstrated the strong desire among Cypriots to build a common future, while reaffirming the United Nations’ long-standing commitment to supporting efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.
“It was my duty to come to Cyprus to express my full solidarity with the search for a solution and to underline the importance of confidence-building measures,” he said.
Both leaders assured the secretary-general that they remain determined to work with his personal envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín.
Preparations before another 5+1 meeting
Guterres said another informal expanded meeting would be convened after the necessary groundwork had been completed on confidence-building measures.
He added that he would work with the two sides and the guarantor powers, Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, to prepare the next stage of the process.
Asked when the meeting could take place, Guterres said there was agreement among all participants, but further preparation was required on confidence-building measures and the methodology of the process.
“I want a successful meeting that will open the way for discussions,” he said.
No specific deadline has been set, although Guterres said efforts would move forward “as quickly as possible”.
“We are working with the aim of moving in the direction of a solution,” he added.
Cyprus solution linked to regional stability
Guterres also referred to the wider geopolitical environment, noting that the region was facing significant developments and prolonged conflicts.
He said a settlement in Cyprus was important not only for the island’s people but also for stability across the wider region.
“I believe that a solution in Cyprus is critical, not only for the people of Cyprus themselves, but also as a factor of stability in a region that is becoming increasingly and dangerously unstable,” he said.
Without a solution, he added, Cyprus would become more vulnerable to emerging risks across the region.
