LEFKOSA, TRNC, July 29, 2026

Following a tripartite meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, TRNC President Tufan Erhürman described the discussions as constructive and expressed cautious optimism about the future of the Cyprus issue.

The meeting took place at the UN Good Offices Mission in the buffer zone and was attended by senior officials from both the TRNC and the United Nations. President Erhürman was accompanied by Presidency Undersecretary Mehmet Dânâ and Adviser on Diplomacy and External Relations İpek Borman, while Secretary-General Guterres was joined by senior UN officials, including Rosemary A. DiCarlo and the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, President Erhürman reiterated the Turkish Cypriot side’s commitment to reaching a lasting solution. He stressed that meaningful progress would require a fresh approach and a process designed to move negotiations closer to a conclusion. While acknowledging that no concrete decisions emerged from the talks, he described the discussions as positive and welcomed Secretary-General Guterres’ visit to the island as an encouraging step that had strengthened hopes for renewed momentum.

Referring to the Secretary-General’s remark that “this time it will be different,” Erhürman emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures and improvements in the negotiation methodology. He also noted that the UN Secretary-General had indicated a willingness to convene a 5+1 meeting with the guarantor powers once sufficient preparatory work had been completed. Erhürman reaffirmed that the TRNC would continue coordinating closely with the Republic of Türkiye throughout the process.

Türkiye also reiterated its support for the UN-led efforts. Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli praised Secretary-General Guterres’ commitment to the Cyprus issue and welcomed continued efforts to promote cooperation between the two sides. However, he argued that meaningful progress would remain difficult as long as the Greek Cypriot side maintained what Türkiye described as an uncompromising position. Keçeli also maintained that previously attempted settlement models had been exhausted and reiterated Türkiye’s position that any future solution should be based on the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people. He reaffirmed Ankara’s continued support for the TRNC.

Addressing the nation following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also underscored Türkiye’s unwavering backing for Turkish Cypriots. He stated that no initiative disregarding their sovereign equality, rights, and legitimate interests could succeed. Welcoming Secretary-General Guterres’ recent engagement, Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue supporting UN peace efforts through close consultation.

Reflecting on the anniversary of the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, Erdoğan described it as a defining moment that ensured the security and freedom of Turkish Cypriots. He added that lasting peace could only be achieved through a fair, durable, and sustainable settlement. Erdoğan also highlighted expanding cooperation between Türkiye and the TRNC in areas such as tourism, higher education, technology, and infrastructure, including plans to advance strategic energy projects linking the two sides.

The Cyprus issue has regained international attention following renewed diplomatic efforts led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside fresh commitments from Türkiye, the European Union, and both Cypriot communities. The latest developments indicate growing momentum toward creating conditions for the resumption of formal peace negotiations after years of stalemate.

During his visit to Cyprus, Guterres held separate meetings with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhurman and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides. Following the talks, the UN chief reaffirmed his commitment to supporting a peaceful settlement, stressing that progress ultimately depends on the willingness of both communities, with the support of the guarantor powers—Türkiye, Greece and the United Kingdom.

Guterres described the meetings as constructive and said his visit was aimed at expressing solidarity with the people of Cyprus while exploring ways to advance the peace process. He emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures that would benefit both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, pledging to continue supporting dialogue toward a mutually acceptable solution.

The Cyprus dispute has remained unresolved for decades despite repeated UN-led initiatives to broker a comprehensive settlement.

Türkiye also reaffirmed its strong support for the Turkish Cypriot community. Following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said any initiative that ignores the sovereign equality, rights and legitimate interests of Turkish Cypriots would not succeed. He reiterated that Ankara would continue providing political and economic support while closely monitoring regional developments involving Cyprus.

Erdoğan also announced that Türkiye would continue investing in Northern Cyprus, highlighting infrastructure projects, including plans for a subsea natural gas pipeline, to support the region's long-term development.

Meanwhile, the European Commission expressed its readiness to play a more active role in the peace process. Commission spokesperson Maciej Berezstecki reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the reunification of Cyprus based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in line with UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles.

The Commission also confirmed its willingness to participate in future negotiations and contribute through all available political and institutional tools. As part of these efforts, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto has been appointed EU Special Representative for Cyprus and will work closely with UN envoy María Ángela Holguín to engage stakeholders and help prepare the ground for renewed talks.

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides welcomed the recent diplomatic momentum, describing it as one of the most active periods on the Cyprus issue in many years. He highlighted Guterres' public reference to previous negotiating convergences as a significant step that provides greater clarity on key aspects of a future settlement.

Christodoulides also welcomed the UN Secretary-General's intention to convene a broader multilateral meeting once conditions are suitable. He said preparatory work would continue throughout August, with further coordination involving the United Nations and the European Union, to pave the way for the resumption of formal negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting settlement.