New york: Cyprus’ Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, has announced plans to engage in a series of meetings with counterparts from Europe, Africa, and Asia in New York. The discussions aim to address immediate concerns such as the Cyprus issue, the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, and broader priorities and initiatives of Cyprus’ foreign policy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos emphasized the significance of this year’s UN General Assembly High-Level Week, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Organization’s establishment. He noted that his engagements had already begun unofficially over the past two days and would continue, including scheduled trilateral meetings and participation in events related to the UN.
The Foreign Minister stated, “The UN General Assembly High-Level Week officially begins, in a year of particular importance given that it marks the 80th anniversary of the Organization’s founding. In the context of our presence here, we will have a series of contacts with counterparts from countries of Europe, Africa, and Asia, with the aim of placing emphasis on issues of direct concern.”
Kombos highlighted that the agenda would include discussions on the Cyprus problem, the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and Cyprus’ broader foreign policy initiatives. He further mentioned that informal contacts had already commenced and would include trilateral meetings and participation in events concerning the United Nations.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Numerous rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to produce tangible results, with the latest negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ending without resolution.