**Guterres Arrives in Cyprus, Commits to a Lasting Solution for the Cyprus Issue**
*Cyprus, July 28, 2026* — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Cyprus on Tuesday morning for a two-day visit aimed at addressing the long-standing Cyprus problem. His arrival marks a significant moment in ongoing efforts to find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the division of the island, which has persisted since 1974.
Upon landing, Guterres took to social media platform X to express his commitment to supporting the communities in Cyprus. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, stating, “The UN cannot impose peace. Only Cypriots, through their leaders, can build it.” This statement underscores the UN's role as a facilitator rather than a mediator in the peace process, highlighting the necessity for local leaders to take the initiative in resolving the conflict.
Guterres is accompanied by his Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuellar, who had already engaged in discussions with both President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman prior to Guterres's arrival. These preliminary meetings set the stage for the Secretary-General's discussions with the two leaders.
On the agenda for Tuesday are separate meetings with President Christodoulides and Erhurman. Guterres is scheduled to meet with Christodoulides in the morning, followed by a meeting with Erhurman at 11:45 AM. In a symbolic gesture of remembrance, Guterres will lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers’ Monument located outside Ledra Palace at noon. This act serves to honor the efforts of peacekeeping forces and the ongoing quest for reconciliation on the island.
Later in the day, Guterres will visit the workshop of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, an organization dedicated to addressing the sensitive issue of individuals who have gone missing as a result of the conflict. This visit is expected to provide insight into the humanitarian aspects of the Cyprus issue.
In addition to meetings with the leaders, Guterres plans to engage with negotiators, heads of Technical Committees, and representatives from civil society. These interactions aim to foster dialogue and understanding among various stakeholders involved in the peace process.
The day will conclude with a private dinner attended by Guterres, Christodoulides, and Erhurman at the residence of Special Representative Hashim Dyan, located at Nicosia Airport. This informal setting is anticipated to facilitate open discussions between the leaders.
On Wednesday morning, Guterres will hold a joint meeting with both leaders at Nicosia Airport, followed by a press conference where he is expected to share insights from his discussions and outline the next steps in the peace process before departing Cyprus.
Guterres's visit comes at a time when the need for a sustainable resolution to the Cyprus problem remains critical. The island has been divided into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north, recognized only by Turkey. Efforts to reunify the island have seen various negotiations over the years, but a lasting agreement has yet to be achieved.
As Guterres embarks on this diplomatic mission, the international community watches closely, hopeful that renewed dialogue and commitment from both sides may pave the way for a peaceful and united Cyprus.