Nikitas Kaklamanis, on his first official visit to Cyprus, conveyed the “full consensus” of the Greek Parliament on the Cyprus issue, speaking of cautious optimism regarding developments.
“We are here to do everything possible on our side to support efforts on the Cyprus issue,” emphasized President Christodoulides while welcoming the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, in Nicosia. Kaklamanis, visiting the island for the first time officially since his election, conveyed the “full consensus” of the Greek Parliament regarding Cyprus, speaking of cautious optimism about future developments.
Referring to the upcoming “election” process in the Turkish-occupied north, Christodoulides noted that the outcome will be important but “no one can safely predict it,” reminding that “on the most serious matters, the final decisions are made in Ankara.” It is recalled that the election of the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in the occupied areas is scheduled for October 19, 2025.
Nikitas Kaklamanis is in Cyprus for tomorrow’s parade marking the 64th anniversary of Cypriot Independence.
On the institutional front, Christodoulides highlighted that Cyprus is entering a critical period, as in less than 100 days it will enter the final stretch toward assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026—the second time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus since 2012.
On the regional stage, Nicosia and Athens, according to the Cypriot President, “through actions and not words,” aim to foster cooperation with all countries in the region, promoting the stability framework they uphold. Kaklamanis’s visit is part of the ongoing institutional connection between the two countries, at a time when negotiations around the Cyprus issue are restarting, with the UN Secretary-General recently noting “movement.”
Kaklamanis recalled his long involvement with the Cyprus issue since the 1990s and stated that despite political tensions in Greece, the national issue remains above partisan disputes, with a common line among all parties. However, he expressed caution regarding substantial progress, pointing to the longstanding rigidity of the Turkish side.
Nikitas Kaklamanis will deliver a special speech in the plenary session of the House of Representatives today and will attend tomorrow’s parade in Nicosia for October 1.
With the October 19 milestone in the occupied areas and the possibility of new UN initiatives, Nicosia and Athens are keeping expectations low, focusing on targeted actions within the EU and regional partnerships. Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency could serve as a multiplier of diplomatic capital, provided Ankara consents to substantive processes and confidence-building measures.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions