The Informal Meeting on the Cyprus issue in a broader format, in Geneva concludes today with bilateral meetings between the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and participating delegations, followed by a plenary session. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, is meeting with the UK Minister for Europe before holding talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The plenary session will take place between 13:00 and 16:00 (Cyprus time).
Following the conclusion of the meeting, President Christodoulides will travel to Brussels to brief the European Council (20-21 March) on the outcome of the discussions.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have sent a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General, expressing the EU’s willingness to actively participate in the process. The letter reaffirms the EU’s commitment to a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and EU law. It also stresses that Turkey must align with this framework and reject the two-state solution.
Full support for the @UN Secretary-General's efforts on the Cyprus settlement talks taking place today and tomorrow in Geneva.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) March 17, 2025
We reiterate our firm commitment to the reunification of Cyprus, through a comprehensive settlement on the basis of a bizonal and bicommunal federation…
US Ambassador Julie S. Davis also expressed support for the process and a bizonal, bicommunal federation late last night.
Welcome discussions underway in Geneva & hope this effort can pave the way for a resumption of negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political…
— Julie S. Davis (@USAmbCy) March 17, 2025
The content of the unexpected meeting between President Christodoulides and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, which took place after the formal dinner, remains a mystery. According to reports, the meeting, requested by Fidan, lasted approximately 15 minutes. Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis described it as a “social meeting” without providing further details.
President Christodoulides also held phone conversations with the Greek Prime Minister and European leaders, who reaffirmed European support for efforts to restart negotiations.
Also read: Informal Meeting continues with bilateral meetings and plenary session
