UN Secretary-General Guterres holds meetings in Cyprus to revive peace talks

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited Cyprus on July 28, 2026, holding separate high-level meetings with Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman. The Secretary-General emphasized his personal commitment to restarting stalled peace negotiations, aiming to convene an informal expanded conference as a potential springboard for progress. During the meetings, Guterres underscored that the solution depends on the Cypriots themselves, with assistance from the guarantor powers.

Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis welcomed the engagement, stating that Nicosia is ready to contribute to resuming talks from the point where they were previously interrupted. Turkish Cypriot leader Erhürman expressed support for Guterres's efforts, noting a willingness to work on a new, realistic methodology to overcome obstacles that stalled past attempts in 2004 and 2017. While Guterres did not set specific dates for a future 5+1 meeting, diplomatic sources indicate he aims to achieve substantial progress or leave a well-advanced process for his successor.

The Secretary-General's agenda in Cyprus included visits to the Committee on Missing Persons and the Peacekeepers’ Monument. Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue, with further discussions and a scheduled dinner intended to build on the momentum developed in recent months. All parties acknowledge that formal negotiations remain contingent upon securing sufficient political will and reaching convergence on key issues.