Cypriot leaders meet for UN-led talks ahead of General Assembly

President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman held their 11th meeting on September 17, 2026, in the UN-controlled buffer zone to discuss the Cyprus settlement process. The two-hour dialogue focused on confidence-building measures, negotiation methodology, and substantive issues ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. While the UN characterized the session as a “good discussion,” the leaders noted they remain in the phase of exchanging proposals rather than reaching full alignment.

Following the meeting, President Christodoulides expressed optimism, noting he presented 19 specific points for consideration. Conversely, Erhürman stated that conditions for a new 5+1 conference are not yet met, emphasizing that any high-level meeting must be results-oriented. Both leaders confirmed they have no immediate plans for a trilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the General Assembly, though both will hold separate talks with UN officials in New York starting September 23 to define a roadmap for future progress.