New york city: French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the results of the expanded meeting on the Cyprus issue held in New York City, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. Macron posted on X that this new meeting, following the previous one held in March in Geneva, and the adoption of new cooperation initiatives announced by SG Antonio Guterres, demonstrate a positive perspective towards restoring confidence.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the French President encouraged the Secretary-General to move towards the resumption of negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue. This settlement would be based on a bizonal bicommunal federation, respecting the parameters defined by the Security Council and the acquis communautaire.
Macron also emphasized France’s support for the efforts of the UNSG and his personal envoy, expressing readiness to assist in the process. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides described France’s support as invaluable. Posting on X, President Christodoulides thanked his counterpart and highlighted France’s critical role as a member of the UN Security Council and the European Union in Nicosia’s efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, no resolution has been reached due to Turkish intransigence. The last negotiation round in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended without a conclusion.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format took place in New York on July 16-17, 2025. Another meeting is anticipated later this year to follow up on initiatives agreed upon by the parties. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres emphasized their commitment to continuing dialogue. He also announced plans to meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week in September.
Discussions between the two sides in Cyprus continue, focusing on unresolved issues like opening crossing points and a solar energy installation in the buffer zone. They have also agreed to cooperate on various issues, including the exchange of cultural artifacts. Maria Angela Holgun, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, will continue her efforts in this regard.
The European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid the settlement process in close collaboration with Holgun.