Renewed Openings in Cyprus Talks Marked by Commitments to Political Equality
Informal meetings between the President of the Republic of Cyprus and newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman have prompted UN Secretary General António Guterres to highlight what he calls a fresh opportunity for meaningful movement on the Cyprus issue.
Both leaders agreed during their joint encounter that achieving a settlement based on political equality remains their shared objective, setting out a commitment not jointly expressed since 2020.
Guterres urges the sides to demonstrate stronger determination on outstanding confidence building measures, voicing concern over unilateral actions in and around the buffer zone.
New crossing points are described by the UN as having the potential to improve daily life, expand community contact and deepen mutual understanding, while also supporting trade and economic interdependence.
The Secretary General notes that the role of the Technical Committees has grown, with several committees advancing initiatives agreed in March and July 2025, although others continue to deliver limited progress.
The Youth Technical Committee is singled out as particularly promising, with the UN encouraging renewed efforts for cooperation on educational programs and materials.
The UN position on Varosha remains unchanged, with Guterres recalling Security Council Resolutions 550 from 1984 and 789 from 1992.
Dialogue between the two leaders is characterised as encouraging yet still at an early stage, prompting calls for further work to strengthen momentum and rebuild trust.
Informal and expanded meetings took place in July, September and December 2025, bringing together the leaders and guarantor powers Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Tufan Erhurman assumed office in October 2025 after securing more than 62 percent of the vote in the first round, entering his post on a platform committed to resuming federal negotiations.
The Good Offices mission held 176 meetings during the reporting period, while the Technical Committees convened 151 sessions across 13 thematic areas.
The Greek Cypriot side reiterates its commitment to a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, anchored in UN Security Council resolutions and the convergences reached in Crans Montana.
The Turkish Cypriot side outlines a four point methodology for restarting negotiations and presents 10 measures aimed at fostering a favourable climate for a settlement.
