The Leaders of the Two Communities in Cyprus Discuss Opening New Crossing Points

Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Nikos Christodoulides, leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, met today at the residence of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus and Head of the UNFICYP Mission, Colin Stewart. The meeting, held in the buffer zone, focused on plans to open new crossing points on the island and to foster trust between the two communities.

The meeting was described as a continuation of the informal dinner hosted by the UN Secretary-General in New York on October 15.

In a joint statement released after the discussions, Tatar and Christodoulides agreed that opening new crossing points “will enhance interactions between people across the island, strengthen economic ties, and contribute to building mutual trust.”

Among the topics discussed were plans to open the Haspolat crossing point, as well as the potential opening of the Akyar–Lympia border gate.

The leaders highlighted that these steps would bring socio-economic benefits to both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

Following the meeting, President Nikos Christodoulides announced that he had presented an eight-point proposal package to President Tatar for consideration.

The discussions also included an exchange of views on other pressing issues.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue their negotiations. Another round of talks is expected to take place in the coming days, tentatively scheduled for next week.