UN representative reports progress in Cyprus peace process

At a forum in Nicosia marking 20 years of the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, UNFICYP head Khassim Diagne reported limited but substantive progress in negotiations. Recent discussions between Cypriot leaders have yielded a framework for a civil society advisory body and commitments to facilitate religious services across the island. The parties also agreed to coordinate responses to foot-and-mouth disease and to examine economic issues regarding Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labels. Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou and Turkish Cypriot representative Mehmet Dana participated in the event held at Ledra Palace. Diagne noted that since October 2025, there has been an increased willingness to engage in dialogue and confidence-building measures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, remain committed to facilitating a Cyprus-led process to enable substantive political discussions in the coming months. UNFICYP continues to work with both sides to maintain stability within the buffer zone.