Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres completed his first official visit to Cyprus, holding separate and joint talks with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. He described the discussions as "frank and constructive," and expressed solidarity with Cypriots in pursuing a comprehensive solution to the island's longstanding division.
Guterres noted the UN’s continued support for a sustainable settlement and highlighted the absence of formal negotiations in recent years. Since 2017, six meetings have taken place in Switzerland, Germany, and the United States to help rebuild trust between the communities. He urged both sides to intensify efforts to define and implement confidence-building measures to positively affect daily life for all Cypriots.
Following his meetings, Guterres announced plans for another 5+1 meeting—including Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, guarantor countries Greece, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, and the UN. He said consultations would be held with all parties to ensure proper preparation, covering confidence building, methodology, and substantive issues, while considering existing points of agreement.
The Secretary-General emphasized that many Cypriots want to see progress and called on leaders to make compromises for a resolution. He described a common hope for a future built on cooperation, opportunity, and peace rather than division.
On current conditions, Guterres stressed the need to respect the authority of the UN peacekeeping force, UNFICYP, deployed since 1964. He noted that UNFICYP has played a key role in maintaining calm and stability, and its continued effectiveness relies on the cooperation of all parties.