London: The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, announced that Cyprus is on the brink of securing an agreement with the UK on defence and security matters. His statement followed a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where he expressed optimism about finalizing the strategic agreement soon.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides discussed bilateral relations with Prime Minister Starmer, emphasizing the potential for imminent collaboration on defence and security. He also addressed developments concerning the Cyprus issue, highlighting the UK’s significant role as a guarantor power. The conversation included the upcoming visit of Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar, recently reappointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, and the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU’s Special Envoy for Cyprus.
President Christodoulides underscored the UK’s participation in expanded meetings, such as the upcoming Geneva meeting in late July, as part of ongoing efforts to resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue. The importance of the UK’s role in these discussions was a focal point of their dialogue.
President Christodoulides also expressed satisfaction at being the first EU member state leader to meet with the British Prime Minister following the historic agreement with the EU. This meeting further cemented the strong relationship between the EU and the UK, especially as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency on January 1, 2026.
This meeting marked the third encounter between President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Starmer since Starmer’s appointment in July 2024, illustrating the robust bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK. It followed Starmer’s historic visit to Cyprus in December 2024, the first visit by a British Prime Minister in over five decades.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. UN-led peace talks have yet to achieve a resolution, primarily due to Turkish intransigence. The most recent negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana ended without a conclusion.
The UN Secretary-General announced an informal meeting on Cyprus at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva in March. The parties have agreed on several initiatives, including opening crossing points and creating a Technical Committee on Youth, aimed at fostering cooperation in the buffer zone and across the island.
Ant³nio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus in early May, tasking her with reengaging the parties for the next steps in the Cyprus issue. The European Commission has designated Johannes Hahn as its Special Envoy for Cyprus, working closely with Holgun to advance the settlement process.