A trilateral meeting between Nikos Christodoulides, Tufan Erhürman, and the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín was held on Wednesday at the residence of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in the UN controlled area near the old Nicosia airport.
The meeting took place in what the United Nations describes as a pre negotiation phase of the Cyprus process.
Statement from UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín
In a written statement issued after the meeting, Ms Holguín stressed the importance of sustained direct dialogue between the two leaders.
She said that such dialogue is essential in order to express views, concerns, and hopes, particularly at a time when the process has not yet entered formal negotiations. She underlined that constant and direct contact remains necessary during the current pre negotiation phase.
According to the statement, the two leaders shared their respective proposals aimed at charting a way forward towards the start of substantive negotiations.
Ms Holguín also noted that the leaders reviewed the work carried out so far on the list of trust building initiatives previously placed on the table. Some advances were acknowledged, and both sides agreed to continue efforts to reach further agreements on these initiatives, alongside work towards the resumption of substantive talks.
Remarks by María Ángela Holguín After the Meeting
Speaking briefly to reporters following the trilateral, Ms Holguín described the discussion as constructive, noting that it covered both substantive issues and confidence building measures.
She said she was not disappointed by the outcome, emphasising that such processes have their own pace and that progress at this stage tends to be gradual.
At the same time, she made clear that further results are required, particularly on confidence building measures. She said she is waiting for more concrete outcomes before any next steps can be considered.
Ms Holguín referred to limited advances in specific areas, including issues related to Halloumi and road transport arrangements, but cautioned against drawing conclusions at this stage, stressing that more work is needed.
She also indicated that, for the time being, an expanded 5+1 meeting should not be expected in the near future.
Statement from President Christodoulides
"I am not disappointed. I submitted a specific proposal that addresses both substance and confidence building measures.
- First, I proposed reaffirming the basis for a solution to the Cyprus issue, in line with the announcement and the related reference to political equality and the UN resolutions, as reflected in the joint communiqué of 11 December.
- Second, I proposed that the United Nations, for obvious reasons, prepare the convergences up to Crans Montana. The convergences concerning the internal aspects should be shared with both communities, and those agreed by both sides should remain in the document.
- Third, the convergences relating to the external aspects should be shared with all five participants, and those agreed by all should likewise remain in the document. I also had with me the convergences from the extended conference.
- Fourth, at such an extended conference, though not a formal one, the resumption of negotiations should be announced, on the basis of the convergences document.
- Fifth, at the same meeting, the opening of four crossing points should be announced: Kokkina, Louroujina, Mia Milia and Athienou–Aglandjia, as proposed by the United Nations Secretary General at the extended conference in July.
At the same time, I expressed my readiness, at that meeting, to announce additional unilateral measures in favour of the Turkish Cypriots.
The discussion will continue. There will also be a meeting without the presence of Ms Holguin, with the Turkish Cypriot leader. Over the next two weeks, the negotiators will hold a further meeting.
The effort continues with one single objective. When there is something concrete, you will hear it first. I do not wish to speak on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot leader, nor for him to speak on my behalf. This is something we agreed from our very first meeting.
The four points raised by the Turkish Cypriot leader were also put on the table. I responded specifically and reiterated what I have said publicly, both before and during the discussion.
With regard to Crans Montana, there are what are known as the blue, red and black points. The blue points reflect the positions of the Greek Cypriot side, the red points those of the Turkish Cypriot side, and the black points what has been agreed. The document is ready.
This is a proposal which, in my view, clearly demonstrates our political will and our readiness. I hope there will be positive developments.
As for the next step, the discussion will continue. I submitted a concrete proposal on substance and on confidence building measures, and this discussion will continue.
Regarding Mia Milia, we are ready even today. As for Athienou–Aglandjia, there are objections, but within the framework of the proposal I submitted, I stated that I am ready to accept the suggestion of the UN Secretary General, as it was presented at the extended conference in July.
On Louroujina, I reiterated today that I am ready for the opening to proceed, with a specific route, as provided for in the proposal of the Secretary General. This is not our proposal, nor that of the other side. It is a proposal of the United Nations, submitted in July 2025.
With regard to political equality, I repeat that it is included in the joint communiqué. It is not my personal position, nor a statement by Ms Holguin. It is a joint agreement and has never been disputed by our side.
The problem in the past, with the previous Turkish Cypriot leader, was that political equality was presented as sovereign equality, which is not provided for and is not accepted.
Thank you."
Process continues without timeline for expanded talks
The trilateral meeting concluded without joint announcements or agreed timelines. Both sides are expected to continue discussions on trust building initiatives, while the United Nations maintains that the process remains in a preparatory phase rather than formal negotiations.
No date has been set for a next trilateral meeting, though contacts between the two sides are expected to continue in the coming period.