Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos held a meeting on Friday in Nicosia with the British Foreign Secretary , David Lammy, with whom he discussed bilateral ties, the Cyprus issue, the forthcoming Cyprus EU Presidency as well as the situation in the Middle East and Cyprus’ humanitarian role in the region.
Kombos wrote on his account on ‘X’ that during their “rich and productive discussions”, they reiterated their common strategic vision for the further enhancement of their bilateral relationship, also within the framework of the Cyprus – UK Strategic Dialogue.
With regard to the situation in the Middle East, Kombos said that he reiterated that Cyprus as the closest EU member state to the region remains committed to strengthening its role in fostering regional stability through intense diplomatic engagements and an active humanitarian role.
“It was once again acknowledged that Cyprus remains a reliable humanitarian hub and a facilitator for safe evacuations through our National Evacuation Assistance Plan ‘ESTIA,” he wrote, adding that in the past few weeks, more than 3000 individuals were evacuated through Cyprus, including British citizens.
Kombos also updated the Foreign Secretary about the recent developments as regards the Cyprus Issue, in view also of the upcoming informal meeting in New York.
Moreover, he had the opportunity to brief Lammy about the preparations and priorities for the Presidency of the Council of the EU that Cyprus will be assuming in January 2026, while also exchanging views with him on the EU-UK relations.
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.
UN Secretary General announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17-18. The meeting has been scheduled to take place on July 16-17 in New York. The two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced in early May the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, who is tasked to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him. Holguín completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.
The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holguín.