Cyprus leaders agree on new crossing points and UN-led negotiations

On November 9, 2026, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman met in Nicosia under the auspices of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin. The leaders agreed to open two new crossing points: Lympia-Louroujina and Kampos-Karavostasi, which will be operational once technical preparations are finalized. Additionally, the parties decided to resume the 'Imagine' peace education program, exchange cultural heritage archives, and undertake environmental projects as confidence-building measures.

The meeting, held at the 22nd Economist Cyprus Summit, marks a diplomatic effort to break a long-standing impasse. President Christodoulides emphasized that a comprehensive settlement is essential for regional stability and stated that Turkey’s involvement remains contingent on its behavior. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has held telephone calls with both Christodoulides and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the results, with plans underway to convene a tripartite meeting between the two Cyprus leaders and Guterres in the coming weeks.

While some political figures like Annita Demetriou and Averof Neophytou welcomed the progress as a step toward reviving negotiations, there remains uncertainty regarding the path toward a full settlement. The European Union has signaled potential willingness to update its customs union with Turkey if Ankara supports a credible resumption of the Cyprus talks. Efforts to finalize the methodology and substance for a potential 5+1 meeting continue through diplomatic channels.