As a guarantor power, the penholder on Cyprus matters at the UN Security Council and a friend to all parties, the UK unwaveringly supports the UN-led process for an agreed settlement, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Lammy has told CNA, adding that the country will be present in the upcoming next informal 5+1 meeting on Cyprus that will take place in New York.

In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency, Lammy, who pays Cyprus a brief visit on Friday, also speaks of bilateral relations, noting that the two countries are working closely on a General Security Agreement to facilitate information sharing. Referring to Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2026 he notes that it will come at an important time, and “we look forward to working with our Cypriot friends to strengthen the UK-EU strategic partnership.”

Replying to a question about possible involvement of the British Bases in Cyprus in the recent conflict between Iran and Israel he stresses that “the UK – including the Sovereign Base Areas – did not participate in military operations during the recent escalation between Iran and Israel.”

Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and still occupies 37% of Cyprus’ territoy. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence.

The informal meeting on Cyprus, which will take place at the headquarters of the international organisation in New York on July 16 and 17, was announced on Wednesday, by the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, who said that it would provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on the progress made since the last meeting that took place in March in Geneva.