Nicosia:European Commission Special Representative for Cyprus and Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffaele Fitto has expressed encouragement over a new agreement between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus on United Nations-led Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).

According to Cyprus News Agency, Fitto described the agreement as "a good step forward in the discussions for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue." He reiterated the European Union's commitment to the reunification of Cyprus in line with UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles.

The agreement was reached between the President of the Republic and Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman. It includes the simultaneous opening of two new crossing points and a plan to hold another trilateral meeting. Additionally, the leaders agreed to resume the Imagine Project, advance environmental initiatives, and establish a rapid response mechanism for emergencies.

Further agreements include the simultaneous opening of crossing points at Louroujina-Lympia and Kampos-Karavostasi and the sharing of archival material through the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage. Restoration of specific Maronite churches and an Armenian monastery was also agreed upon. The Imagine Project will continue under the Technical Committee on Education, and environmental projects will proceed through the Technical Committee on Environment.

The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third, with numerous UN-led peace talks failing to achieve results.