Nicosia: Nicosia is looking to the United Kingdom to facilitate a substantive and results-oriented dialogue on the Cyprus problem, President Nikos Christodoulides informed UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, during a meeting at the Presidential Palace. The President emphasized the importance of the UK’s role as a guarantor power in resuming talks based on UN Security Council resolutions.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Lammy confirmed the UK’s commitment to support the United Nations Secretary-General in reaching a settlement and expressed the UK’s readiness to assist in the process. Lammy, who also met with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, highlighted the strong bilateral and strategic relationships between the UK and Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration amid regional instability.
President Christodoulides acknowledged the significance of Lammy’s visit, especially in light of strengthening bilateral relations and upcoming regional developments, including the Cyprus conference in New York. The President noted Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation with the UK, especially in the context of post-Brexit relations.
Foreign Minister Kombos described Lammy’s visit as particularly important, following a series of high-level meetings between Cyprus and UK leaderships. He also referenced a previous visit by British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer and discussed the methodology for advancing talks in New York. Kombos emphasized the necessity of a structured approach to maintain dialogue momentum towards substantive negotiations.
Lammy expressed optimism about Cyprus’ EU Presidency, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties and address mutual interests. He reiterated the UK’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts and its role as a guarantor power in facilitating a resolution.
During the visit, discussions also covered bilateral relations, including trade, connectivity, tourism, education, defense, and EU-UK relations. Kombos acknowledged the historic ties between Cyprus and the UK, expressing optimism for future collaboration. He noted that regional issues and ongoing cooperation on humanitarian efforts were also on the agenda.
The Cyprus problem remains a contentious issue, with the island divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly stalled, with the latest round in 2017 ending inconclusively. An informal meeting on Cyprus is scheduled for mid-July in New York, where further initiatives will be explored.
The appointment of Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus is expected to facilitate re-engagement with relevant parties. Meanwhile, the European Commission has appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid in the settlement process alongside Holgun.