Nicosia: President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides received a delegation from the All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus in the UK Parliament to discuss the ongoing Cyprus issue, bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK, Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the EU Council, and EU-Turkey relations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis briefed the press, highlighting the productive dialogue that took place, focusing on in-depth discussions regarding Cyprus-UK relations. Letymbiotis noted the exemplary relationship between the two nations, underscored by three meetings between President Christodoulides and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Following the significant May Summit, President Christodoulides was the first leader to engage in talks with Prime Minister Starmer. During discussions with British MPs, President Christodoulides outlined his priorities for Cyprus’ presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026. He also updated them on the Greek Cypriot efforts to restart negotiations on the Cyprus issue, the UN Secretary General’s envoy’s engagements in Cyprus, and the appointment of Johannes Hahn as EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem.
The dialogue also encompassed EU-Turkey relations, examining how progress in these relations could potentially facilitate the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue. Cyprus has experienced division since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. Despite persistent UN-led peace talks, resolutions remain elusive, partly attributed to Turkish resistance.
The UN Secretary General Ant³nio Guterres announced an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format is set for the end of July, following a similar March meeting in Geneva. Both Cypriot sides have agreed to pursue several initiatives, including opening crossing points and establishing a Technical Committee on Youth.
In May, Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus to engage the parties and strategize on subsequent steps. Meanwhile, the European Commission appointed Johannes Hahn as the Special Envoy for Cyprus, supporting settlement efforts in collaboration with Holgun.