Diplomatic activity intensifies in Cyprus ahead of UN envoy visit

Diplomatic efforts regarding the Cyprus issue have entered an intensive phase, centered on preparations for high-level meetings and the upcoming visit of the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin. President Nikos Christodoulides met with the UN Special Representative and head of UNFICYP, Khassim Diagne, on October 26 at the Presidential Palace to discuss the peace process. This follows preparatory work by Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Turkish Cypriot representative Mehmet Dana, who met on Monday to arrange the upcoming leader-level dialogue.

President Christodoulides is scheduled to hold a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Tuesday, October 27. Following this, the two leaders are expected to engage with Technical Committees on Youth and Cultural Heritage, as well as the Civil Society Advisory Body, to promote intercommunal cooperation. A central point of contention remains the opening of checkpoints, specifically Athienou, Mia Milia, and Louroujina, with negotiations focusing on creating a balanced proposal that includes the Kokkina area.

Maria Angela Holguin is expected to arrive in Cyprus on October 29 for bilateral contacts. The process will culminate in a tripartite meeting involving the two leaders and the UN envoy on November 9, as part of a renewed effort to revive stalled negotiations.