Britain supports a solution to the Cyprus issue based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, according to the relevant UN resolutions, British Minister for Europe Leo Doherty said on Wednesday speaking after meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides.

“I had a really positive conversation with the president, talking about a wide range of very important Anglo-Cyprus issues,” he said, adding that they talked about the recent coronation of King Charles.

“I think it was a reminder of the very unique, strong bond between Great Britain and Cyprus and the huge Cypriot community in London and other cities and the very, very close connections that we enjoy today,” he added, mentioning the large community of British expats living in Cyprus, and those holidaying on the island every year.

On the Cyprus issue, Doherty said Christodoulides made some “very encouraging statements about his desire to see a settlement, and for that process to continue”.

He reiterated Britain’s support for a bicommunal bizonal federation, saying it is the right approach.

“Of course, we have to see what comes in terms of the wider political context of the Turkish elections, but we would always advocate for a bizonal bicommunal federation according to UN principles,” he said.

Doherty also said that he should be expected to clarify what will happen in the wider political context with the Turkish elections.

The minister said that during his meeting with the president, they discussed the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Britain, and how cooperation can be strengthened in areas such as trade, tourism and education.

“Μy focus really here is ensuring that our relations are in good order,” Doherty said, telling reporters that the discussion with Christodoulides was “very, very satisfactory”.

Doherty also had a meeting with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.