Nicosia:The UK's support for peace in Cyprus was underscored during a recent meeting between a delegation from the UK Foreign Office and the UK Permanent Mission to the UN with Khassim Diagne, the UNSG's Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The meeting took place at the UNFICYP headquarters, where the delegation received a briefing on the operations of the mission on the island.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the leadership of the mission provided updates on the latest developments within and around the buffer zone. The visit highlighted the UK's enduring commitment to fostering peace and stability in Cyprus and its significant contribution as a Troop Contributing Country to UNFICYP.

Cyprus has experienced division since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of the island's northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, a resolution has remained elusive, largely due to Turkish resistance. The most recent discussions, held in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, concluded without agreement.

As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term comes to a close, he has indicated plans to organize another comprehensive meeting, contingent on thorough preparation, although no specific timeline has been provided. Guterres has obtained the agreement of both Cypriot factions and the guarantor powers for this initiative. Additionally, María Angela Holguín has been appointed as Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus, tasked with engaging the involved parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus, taking over from EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.