Four key takeaways from Guterres’s first round of separate talks in Cyprus

Politics Cyprus problemNikos ChristodoulidesTop NewsTufan ErhurmanunUnited Nations Four key takeaways from Guterres’s first round of separate talks in Cyprus Four Key Takeaways From Guterres's First Round Of Separate Talks In Cyprus Relevant News Customs stop four Britons trying to leave Paphos with 2,507 tobacco packets 28 July 2026 Four key takeaways from Guterres’s first round of separate talks in Cyprus 28 July 2026 Cyprus wins silver and bronze on historic Commonwealth Games night 28 July 2026 Andreas Bimbishis 28 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The first round of contacts by the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus may have concluded without any announcement so far, with one expected tomorrow, but it carried messages both for Cyprus and beyond. As a first takeaway, four points stand out from António Guterres’s public statements: his reference to the people of Cyprus, rather than the two communities; his statement that a solution to the Cyprus problem depends on the Cypriots themselves, while he will help both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots; his reference to the guarantor powers’ role in the effort; and his own strong commitment to assisting the process. Summing up his talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, the Secretary-General described both as highly consultative meetings. In this first round, held as separate meetings, Guterres sought to send messages. Attention now turns to tonight’s dinner with the two leaders, but above all to tomorrow’s talks. Only once tomorrow’s meetings conclude will the next steps on the Cyprus problem become clear. According to Phileleftheros sources familiar with this morning’s discussions, Guterres made no reference to possible dates for the next 5+1 meeting. At least from this first meeting on Cypriot soil, what emerges as the Secretary-General’s clear position is that the United Nations is not in Cyprus to impose any solution, but to facilitate the process. Beyond that, the Secretary-General’s goal remains to bring the Cyprus problem to a point where he can hand his successor a substantive framework. Guterres’s statements Speaking to reporters as he left the Presidential Palace after his meeting with President Christodoulides, the UN Secretary-General said: “This is a visit of solidarity to the people of Cyprus and to show my strong commitment to ensuring we can finally have a solution in Cyprus.” The Secretary-General added: “Of course it depends on the Cypriots themselves, but also on the guarantor powers, who have a role to play, but I will do what I can to support the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots at this very important moment.” Following his meeting with Tufan Erhürman in the occupied area, the UN Secretary-General expressed his solidarity “with the Cypriot people and my commitment to assist both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and the guarantor powers in finding a solution, while at the same time seeing the development of confidence-building measures for the benefit of the people on both sides.” The first meeting with Nikos Christodoulides Welcoming the Secretary-General, President Christodoulides stressed the need for good news, both in Cyprus and in the wider region and international level, as well as the importance of his support and political commitment. The President noted: “Your presence is yet another clear sign of your commitment to solving the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions, and I look forward to our discussions and consultations.” He said: “We need good news in Cyprus. We need good news in the region. We need good news at an international level, and we are relying on your support and your political commitment, particularly at this very difficult period internationally, where we are also seeing actions by certain actors undermining the international system established after the Second World War.” President Christodoulides said we all have a responsibility to do whatever is necessary “to ensure respect for international law, international values and principles.” Responding, the UN Secretary-General said it was “an immense joy to be here again and, as you rightly said, if there is a moment when solving the Cyprus problem matters, it is now, at a time of chaos in the region and with certain geopolitical shifts that could suddenly put Cyprus at the centre of unwanted developments.” He described his visit as “a visit of solidarity and humility, carried out with the aim of supporting Cyprus’s two communities in finding a solution. Fully aware that a solution to the Cyprus problem will not only have a very positive impact for Cyprus, but will also be extremely useful in the context of the very difficult situation in the region.” He assured: “You can count on my full commitment, with humility, because it is not my job to tell anyone what must be done. But I am here with humility, with full commitment, to support your efforts.” The meeting with Tufan Erhürman In the occupied areas, Erhürman’s office issued a statement referring to what was said at the start of the UN Secretary-General’s meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader. According to the statement (source: CNA), Erhürman expressed his satisfaction at welcoming Guterres and his delegation. “I believe you know the strong will of the Turkish Cypriot people for a just and lasting solution. We are doing our best to fulfil our obligations regarding confidence-building measures. Unlike the experiences of 2004 and 2017, this time we are working on a new and realistic methodology that will help us achieve our common goal,” he said. “We strongly support and welcome your efforts,” he added. “You can be sure that we will continue to do our best,” he said. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was committed to doing what he can “to support both communities in their search for a solution. We know that a solution also depends on the contribution of the guarantor countries. We therefore attach great importance to providing any contribution that will strengthen the wellbeing of both communities and their determination to reach a solution,” he noted. The Secretary-General added that he would continue to support all efforts that help make the most of the significant opportunities before them today and advance the process. “I am very happy to be here. Thank you for your kind hospitality,” he said. 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