The Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed during the meeting held on Saturday in Turkey between UNSG Antonio Guterres and Turksh President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the latest developments in the peace process in Cyprus”, a UN Spokesperson said.
The Secretary-General and the President discussed the situation in Syria and the ongoing diplomatic efforts towards ending the conflict.
Guterres `said he was grateful that the Astana conference was held in support of the Geneva process. The Secretary-General underscored the need to fight terrorism and extremists in Syria but that effort would not be successful without a political solution supported by the people of country`.
They also exchanged views on the situation in Iraq. The Secretary-General expressed the need that the on-going operations to liberate Mosul and other areas from Da’esh not exacerbate sectarianism but instead be a symbol of national reconciliation.
The Secretary-General also commended Turkey `for its outstanding generosity` in hosting millions of refugees from Syria and Iraq, the Spokesperson said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader M. Akinci have been engaged in UN-led negotiations since May 2015, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
