Christodoulides and Erkurman agree to weekly meetings on Cyprus

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erkurman held a three-hour meeting aimed at advancing negotiations regarding the Cyprus dispute. The leaders agreed to hold weekly meetings to address key issues requested by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, specifically focusing on methodology, achieving convergences, and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

While the atmosphere has recently been described as tense due to various incidents, the meeting was characterized as productive and constructive. Both leaders plan to hold separate meetings with Secretary-General Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in late September to provide updates on their progress.

Despite the agreement on regular contact, certain obstacles remain. Discussions regarding the opening of new crossing points between the two sides of the island did not result in an agreement. The Greek Cypriot side has expressed readiness to open two new crossings, at Mia Miliota and the Athienou–Pyroi–Aglandzia axis, but disagreements persist regarding the overall package of crossings.