The UK has reaffirmed its steadfast support to a solution of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and is clear on not recognising the breakaway regime in the north.

The UK’s new high commissioner to Cyprus Michael Tatham met on Friday with House President Annita Demetriou, whom he reassured of his country’s continued constructive role for peace and security in Cyprus.

He also praised Cyprus’ role in the Middle East, as it maintained good relations with countries in the region.

Tatham said Cyprus and the UK cooperated in sending humanitarian aid to Gaza via the island’s Amalthea sea corridor and expressed satisfaction over the assistance Cyprus offered in repatriating evacuees from the war zone.

During the meeting, Demetriou and Tatham reaffirmed the strong ties between Cyprus and the UK and discussed prospects to further strengthen their “excellent cooperation […] in a broad spectrum of sectors of mutual interest, both on a bilateral level and within the Commonwealth.”

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Demetriou said the government was dedicated to its goal for the resumption of negotiations for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

“We will never accept the demand of the Turkish side for a ‘two-state’ solution,” she said and called on the UK – as a guarantor power and UN Security Council permanent member – to support the renewed effort by the UN chief in any way it could.