President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the UK’s role in efforts to restart Cyprus talks during his meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
It was the first one-to-one meeting between the two leaders since Burnham took office. The discussions covered bilateral relations, the Cyprus problem, the British Bases, Cyprus’ Schengen accession, EU-UK relations and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East.
UK role in Cyprus talks
According to Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Christodoulides stressed the UK’s role both as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and as one of Cyprus’ guarantor powers.
He asked Burnham for his personal contribution in support of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ efforts to resume the negotiating process.
Christodoulides briefed the British prime minister on recent developments and efforts to create the conditions for substantive negotiations to resume from where they left off, based on the agreed framework and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The meeting comes as UN efforts on the Cyprus problem continue, with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin saying after meeting Christodoulides in New York that the organisation is continuing its efforts.
British Bases also discussed
The two leaders also discussed the British Bases in Cyprus.
Christodoulides reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus is not involved in military operations and stressed that the security of Cyprus and its population, as well as relations with countries in the region, should be taken seriously when decisions concerning the Bases are made.
The issue comes amid renewed regional tensions and recent reports concerning the use of British facilities in Cyprus for military support operations.
Cyprus-UK relations and Schengen
Christodoulides welcomed what he described as the substantive strategic development of Cyprus-UK relations and reiterated the Republic’s intention to strengthen them further.
The two sides also discussed plans for the fourth round of the Cyprus-UK Strategic Dialogue to be held at ministerial level in December.
The President also briefed Burnham on Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen Area, referring to progress made and the European Commission’s positive assessment. Cyprus is working with EU member states and the Commission towards a political decision on full accession.
EU-UK and regional issues
The leaders exchanged views on EU-UK relations, with Christodoulides highlighting the priority given to strengthening the relationship during Cyprus’ 2026 EU Council presidency.
They also discussed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East. Christodoulides stressed the importance of closer strategic coordination between Cyprus and the UK on regional security and stability, including cooperation in humanitarian operations.
Also read: Erdogan tells UK PM Turkish Cypriots must have “sovereign equality”
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
