Cyprus leaders prepare for final pre-UN summit meeting

President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman are scheduled to hold their final meeting before the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 17, at 11:00 a.m. This high-level contact follows a series of ongoing discussions aimed at preparing for the UN "high-level week" in New York, which commences on September 18 and runs through September 28.

Ahead of the leaders' meeting, Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Turkish Cypriot representative Mehmet Dana held a preparatory session on Monday, September 14. This meeting focused on substantive issues, negotiation methodology, and potential confidence-building measures. President Christodoulides has expressed hope that these efforts will lead to the resumption of formal negotiations, while emphasizing that reunification remains the only viable path forward for the country.

Diplomatic efforts have faced minor delays, as the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, recently postponed her travel plans to Cyprus and New York due to health reasons. Despite these challenges, preparations for the upcoming UN sessions remain intense, with officials continuing to work toward structured dialogue. President Christodoulides confirmed that a previously scheduled telephone conversation between Holguin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has already occurred, though details remain confidential.