Athens: Coordination between Cyprus and Greece is more important than ever due to the highly critical situation in the region, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, welcoming Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to the Maximos Mansion. This meeting comes just days before the anticipated arrival of UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres in Cyprus from July 27 to 29.
According to Cyprus News Agency, both leaders emphasized the need for a meaningful resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Prime Minister Mitsotakis assured that Greece and Cyprus are steadfast in this position. President Christodoulides expressed hope for positive outcomes from Guterres' visit, stressing that there is political will and a clear strategy to resume talks from where they left off in 2017.
Mitsotakis also commented on the recent rainfall and lower temperatures, which serve as a reprieve from the unprecedented wildfires affecting Spain and France. He highlighted the importance of the Greek-Cypriot initiative to bolster the European Union's civil protection mechanism, noting Greece's deployment of firefighting aircraft to aid Spain.
The Greek Prime Minister underscored the critical juncture at which the two leaders met, warning of potential escalations affecting the Red Sea and emphasizing the necessity for close coordination between Athens and Nicosia. He also noted that Guterres' upcoming visit marks the first by a UN Secretary-General to Cyprus in nearly two decades, coinciding with the approaching end of Guterres' term, which adds urgency to the negotiations.
President Christodoulides described the region as facing a challenging period and highlighted the importance of avoiding further escalation, which would impact Europe and the broader region. He noted that increased international engagement stems from the Cypriot government's strategic approach and political will, with Guterres' visit reflecting renewed global interest.
The Cypriot President pointed to the European Union's growing role, citing the appointment of European Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as the Special Representative for Cyprus as evidence of the EU's commitment to supporting a settlement. He expressed gratitude to Mitsotakis for the opportunity to exchange views ahead of Guterres' visit, aiming for a positive outcome that would resume negotiations based on EU principles and legal standards.
President Christodoulides also mentioned a recent meeting between the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Mara Angela Holgun, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He expressed optimism for achieving the goal of not only resuming negotiations but also reaching a positive outcome leading to Cyprus' reunification after 52 years of division.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the island's northern third. UN-led efforts to reunify the island have repeatedly failed, with the last formal negotiations collapsing in 2017. The upcoming visit by the UN Chief will include meetings with both Cypriot leaders, culminating in a joint private dinner on July 28.