We will do our utmost for the reunification of Cyprus, Greek FM says
The Cyprus problem is a top national priority, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis stated on Sunday, reaffirming the Greek government’s commitment to do its utmost for the reunification of Cyprus.
In an interview for the Greek newspaper “REAL NEWS” the Minister noted that Greece will move forward with the Great Sea Interconnector, which will connect Cyprus with Crete with a 898-kilometre long cable.
The Greek Minister expressed his satisfaction over the fact that “the efforts of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the United Nations, in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus have born fruit with the restart of informal discussions after seven years of stalemate .” He added that the improvement of the relations between Greece and Turkey had a positive impact, too.
He noted that the Greek government remains committed to achieving a just, viable and functional solution within the framework of the UN Security Council Resolutions.
In regards to the Great Sea Interconnector project, Gerapetritis said that Greece is not deterred by reactions in exercising its “sovereign rights, guided by the national interest and with respect for international law.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus in broader format was held in New York, on July 16-17, 2025. Another meeting is anticipated later this year, to follow up on initiatives, agreed by the parties, which the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said they demonstrate a commitment to continuing a dialogue on the way forward. Guterres also announced that he would meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week, in September.
The two sides in Cyprus continue discussions on outstanding issues, including the opening of crossing points and a solar energy installation in the buffer zone. They also agreed to cooperate on a number of issues, including the exchange of cultural artifacts, while Maria Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, will continue her efforts.
The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holguín.
