Cyprus leaders conclude trilateral meeting with UN envoy

On November 9, 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman held a critical four-hour trilateral meeting in the UN-controlled area of Nicosia, facilitated by Maria Angela Holguin, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy. The discussions focused on confidence-building measures (CBMs), methodology, and the substance of the Cyprus issue. President Christodoulides confirmed that he submitted 19 written proposals during the session to advance the peace process.

The parties reached a consensus on the simultaneous opening of two new border crossing points: one connecting Louroujina with Lymbia and another linking Kambos with Karavostasi. Additional agreements included cooperation between technical committees on cultural heritage—specifically the restoration of Maronite churches and an Armenian monastery—as well as environmental initiatives and the reactivation of the 'Imagine' education program. A technical committee will also be instructed to establish an emergency response mechanism.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both sides agreeing to participate in a new trilateral session with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the coming weeks. President Christodoulides expressed his aim to secure an expanded conference before the end of the year, though he acknowledged that significant work remains before formal negotiations can fully resume.