UN envoy Holguin meets Turkish foreign minister Fidan before Guterres' Cyprus visit

UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres’ three‑day visit to Cyprus (27‑29 July) is being prepared through a series of diplomatic meetings. Maria Angela Holguín, the UN personal envoy for Cyprus, held talks in Brussels with EU officials Raffaele Fitto and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, then travelled to Ankara to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions aimed to shape the agenda for Guterres’ first visit to the island in 16 years and to revive UN‑backed negotiations on the island’s division.

The European Union has reiterated its support for the UN process, while Turkey stresses a two‑state solution based on “equality” and “equal international status.” Cyprus’ National Council and Greek officials are holding briefings ahead of the visit, and regional leaders are analyzing the diplomatic developments. Turkish media described the period as “critical hours for Cyprus,” highlighting the significance of the upcoming talks for the long‑standing dispute.