The Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, visited Strovolos on Saturday morning to offer condolences to the family of former President of the Republic of Cyprus, George Vassiliou.
Erhurman arrived at the church of Agia Sophia at around 11.40am. He was accompanied by a large number of security guards.
He approached members of the Vassiliou family inside the church and expressed his condolences. The visit lasted only a few minutes. Erhurman left the church at about 11.48am.
Condolences were also conveyed by former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Talat paid his respects separately at the church.
The funeral will take place at 1pm at the church of Agia Sophia in Strovolos. Burial will follow afterwards at Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery.
Earlier on Saturday, the former president’s body was brought to the church on a gun carriage, accompanied by the Police Philharmonic.
Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, is attending the funeral and will deliver a eulogy.
Further eulogies will be given by President Nikos Christodoulides, University of Cyprus Rector Tasos Christofides, a representative of former collaborators Michalis Papapetrou, and Vassiliou’s son, Evelthon.
The public paid their respects on Friday, when the body lay in state at the church from 10am to 5pm. Condolence books were also opened at the Presidential Palace for state officials and the diplomatic corps.
George Vassiliou died on Tuesday evening at the age of 94, following a two-year illness. He had been hospitalised since 6 January with a respiratory infection and died surrounded by his family.
The cabinet confirmed that the funeral is being held with full presidential honours. Public mourning is in effect until the end of the day. Flags on public buildings and schools are flying at half-mast. A public holiday has been declared.
George Vassiliou served as President of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993.
He is remembered for his role in modernising the state and for his efforts towards a solution to the Cyprus problem.