Cyprus leaders agree to open two new checkpoints

On November 9, 2026, the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, meeting in the presence of UN Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin, agreed to open two new crossing points as part of a package of confidence-building measures. The agreement involves the simultaneous opening of the Limnitis-Lympia and Kampos-Karavostasi checkpoints. This decision follows 3.5 hours of negotiations at the Diyan residence and is viewed as a necessary, albeit modest, step to maintain diplomatic momentum before UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concludes his tenure.

While the agreement fell short of broader expectations, it paves the way for a tripartite meeting between the two leaders and Antonio Guterres in the coming weeks. The Greek-Cypriot side presented a list of 19 proposals, while Turkish-Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman noted that his own proposals were made in coordination with Turkey. Discussions regarding methodology and substance are expected to continue during the upcoming tripartite summit, as international officials seek a sustainable solution to the long-standing Cyprus issue.