Leaders meet in bufferzone, UN describes meeting as positive

President Tufan Erhürman and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides met on Monday.

The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was the second time the leaders met without UN mediation.

According to a statement from the United Nations regarding the meeting, the discussion took place in a positive atmosphere, and the two leaders are scheduled to meet again at the end of the month.

President Tufan Erhürman held a second one-on-one meeting with Greek Cypriot Administration President Nikos Christodoulides.

The meeting began at 4:40 pm in the buffer zone, hosted by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, Khassim Diagne, at the Head of Mission’s residence.

President Erhürman arrived at the residence first, followed by Greek Cypriot leader Christodoulides.

The two leaders were welcomed at the entrance by Diagne.

Following the meeting, the United Nations reported that it took place in a positive atmosphere.

The statement noted that the leaders exchanged views on both substantive issues and the path forward.

“The leaders welcomed the determination and commitment of the UN Secretary-General regarding the Cyprus issue. They reiterated their readiness to continue supporting his efforts in this direction,” the UN statement said.

It was also noted that progress made on confidence-building initiatives was discussed during the meeting.

The statement further stressed that the leaders assigned their representatives to continue discussions to finalise the issues addressed, and that they agreed to meet again at the end of April to make more concrete statements.