The solution of the Cyprus problem is important because there is now interest from neighbouring states, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Tuesday, noting that the solution is a matter of security and stability for the entire region as well as a key factor for EU integration.
Addressing the 21st Annual Economist Cyprus Summit, which is taking place in Nicosia, the President said that “the solution of the Cyprus problem is important because there is now interest from neighboring states in resolving the Cyprus problem, the form of the solution, the content of the solution, it is not only our obligation but it is a matter of security and stability for the entire region as well as of key importance for the integration of the EU”.
The President said he is proud for the fact that Cyprus is recognised for what it truly deserves, it is recognised as a safe harbour in a turbulent and geostrategically important neighbourhood, a hub of connectivity and cooperation between three continents, a state with a clear Western orientation that is at the same time an honourable, reliable and predictable partner of responsibility, a stable and consistent actor in the region, which is part of the solutions to the challenges we face.
He added that Cyprus is on the path of responsibility having clear goals and objectives and dares to take initiatives.
We are working, the President noted, “and the goal may sound ambitious, we are working towards the maturation of the necessary political conditions for the establishment of a regional security and cooperation organisation, an OSCE or NATO, if you like, of the wider Middle East that will highlight the benefits through the cooperation of all of us through the promotion of regional cooperation.”
Regarding the Cyprus issue, he said that “our responsible, extroverted and multi-level foreign policy, in conjunction with our efforts to strengthen our country’s internal factors of strength – economy, rule of law, fight against corruption, reforms – as well as external ones, aims to serve our basic national priority, strengthening our efforts for the liberation and reunification of our country.”
Our active diplomacy, regional cooperation, humanitarian initiatives, geopolitical credibility, the upgrading of the role of our country’s image at the international level directly affects our efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, the President went on to say, adding that “this strategy of ours has contributed decisively to the renewed international interest in the Cyprus issue after seven years of stagnation.”
We see this, he added, “through the renewed interest of the UN in promoting the solution process, we see it through the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, we see it through the appointment of a political figure by the EU, we see it from the meetings that took place either at the trilateral or multilateral level, and all that is planned in the immediate future.”
President Christdoulides pointed out that this mobility is the result of political responsibility and consistency based on a specific plan.
Despite the difficulties and challenges, he added, “which in no way do I underestimate, we will continue our efforts with the aim of achieving a sustainable and functional solution always within the framework of the UN resolutions and the European acquis, a solution that will allow us to utilize all the potential and prospects of our country.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.