President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday highlighted four key outcomes from his first meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, signalling cautious progress toward restarting Cyprus talks.
The meeting, held at the residence of the UN special representative for Cyprus, resulted in an agreement to hold a joint meeting with UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin in December; the resumption of preparatory talks between the negotiators; Holguin’s planned visits to Greece and Turkey; and the arrival later this month of EU envoy Johannes Hahn.
Holguin will meet Erhurman on December 5 and Christodoulides on December 6, followed by a trilateral session.
Christodoulides added that a broader multilateral meeting could take place before the end of the year, depending on coordination with the UN secretary-general and other stakeholders.
He described the encounter as positive but stressed that it was not a negotiation.
Both leaders raised issues of concern, but the shared goal remains restarting substantive talks from where they left off at Crans-Montana in 2017, within the agreed framework.
The 2017 talks collapsed over disagreements on security, governance and territorial arrangements.
Cyprus has since remained divided, with persistent tensions over property, crossings, and administration within the buffer zone.
Erhurman presented a ten-point package aimed at creating a positive climate ahead of renewed talks.
Proposals include granting citizenship to children of mixed marriages, issuing driving licences to Turkish nationals married to Turkish Cypriots in the south, and expanding the Ayios Dhometios crossing with contractors from both communities.
He also proposed opening a direct communication channel between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot police.
Other measures include allowing under-14 athletes to participate in friendly matches, easing bureaucratic obstacles for traders under the Green Line regulation, advancing the halloumi agreement with Bureau Veritas, and reactivating the ad hoc committee on EU alignment.
Erhurman also outlined a four-point methodological approach, stressing that it was not a set of preconditions but a way to ensure constructive discussions.
He noted that neither side responded directly to the other’s proposals and highlighted the need to avoid “trigger words” and approach the process without prejudice.
Confidence-building measures (CBMs) were discussed as essential for creating a positive environment. Christodoulides said CBMs – including those previously promised to the UN secretary-general – are especially important following the change in Turkish Cypriot leadership.
He noted that positive actions on the ground, or the avoidance of negative steps, can directly support efforts to resume talks.
Examples include expanding crossings, facilitating youth sports, easing administrative barriers for traders and advancing shared infrastructure projects.
Practical issues such as property disputes, solar panel installations and other administrative matters will be handled by the negotiators in Cyprus.
Christodoulides said that addressing these matters locally allows the ground to be properly prepared for substantive discussions during the multilateral meeting.
Both leaders emphasised that these preparatory steps aim to create a foundation for meaningful dialogue rather than rushing into formal negotiations.
Christodoulides stressed that progress must be carefully built through practical measures and CBMs.
Erhurman likewise underscored the importance of a constructive, blame-free atmosphere for both communities.
Christodoulides confirmed that the Turkish Cypriot side raised the issue of property usurpation during the meeting but declined to comment on Erhurman’s stance regarding a bizonal bicommunal federation, saying this will be clarified by the Turkish Cypriot leader in due course.
Preparations for the December meeting are already underway.
Christodoulides said the session may take place before the end of the year, depending on Holguin’s consultations with the UN secretary-general and other parties.
Both leaders agreed to maintain regular contact as preparations advance, emphasising that incremental progress – whether through crossings, trade, sports, or shared infrastructure – remains vital to building trust and sustaining momentum toward a long-term settlement.
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