An informal meeting on the Cyprus issue in an expanded format is taking place today in Geneva, convened by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

The heads of the delegations participating in the discussion include:

• President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
• Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar
• Greek Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis
• Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan
• UK Minister for European Affairs, Stephen Doughty
• Four additional members from each delegation

The proceedings will begin with a series of bilateral meetings between the UN Secretary-General and each delegation at the InterContinental Hotel, expected to be completed by 11 a.m. (local time). The meetings will start with the UK minister, followed by the Greek Foreign Minister, then the Turkish Cypriot leader, continuing with the Turkish Foreign Minister, and concluding with the President of Cyprus.

After these individual meetings, a five-party session will take place at the Palace of Nations, the UN headquarters in Geneva, expected to conclude by 3 p.m.

Working Dinner and EU Representation

Last night, a working dinner was held among the delegations, providing all sides with the opportunity to present their views.

Julia Bertetzzolo, Head of the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit, is attending the meetings in Geneva, representing the European Union.

European Council President António Costa sent a message of support as the dinner began, expressing the EU’s full backing for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts in the Cyprus talks and reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the reunification of Cyprus through a comprehensive settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Joint Letter to the UN Secretary-General

At the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus, a joint letter was sent yesterday to the UN Secretary-General from both the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, according to diplomatic sources from Nicosia.