President Christodoulides and Tufan Erhurman meet for Cyprus talks

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman held a meeting at the old Nicosia airport on September 9, 2026, to discuss the ongoing Cyprus problem. The talks, which lasted approximately one hour and ten minutes, focused on core issues, methodology, and confidence-building measures. Despite differences in perspective, the leaders aim to maintain momentum ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.

Preceding the meeting, a public exchange occurred between the two leaders regarding the possibility of a historic breakthrough. While President Christodoulides expressed optimism about "writing history" if political will exists, Erhurman responded cautiously, citing grievances such as diplomatic alliances with Israel and Greece, which he claims marginalize Turkish Cypriots, and the cancellation of cultural events in the occupied areas. Christodoulides dismissed the latter as a byproduct of the ongoing status quo.

Following the session, no joint statement was issued by the UN. President Christodoulides revealed the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving himself, Erhurman, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres or his envoy Maria Angela Holguin in New York. The UN envoy, who is currently managing health issues, will brief the Secretary-General via phone. The leaders have scheduled another meeting for next week, following consultations between their respective negotiators.