Leaders agree to meet again ahead of Holguín visit

The two leaders met under UN auspices in the United Nations Protected Area in Lefkoşa on Tuesday, October 20, continuing their discussions on confidence-building measures, methodology and the substance of the Cyprus issue.

According to a UN statement issued after the meeting, the leaders agreed to proceed with initiatives relating to the environment and the exchange of cultural artefacts.

They also welcomed the forthcoming arrival of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín, who is expected on October 29.

Both leaders will hold separate bilateral meetings with Ms Holguín, while a trilateral meeting is scheduled for November 9.

Before the envoy’s arrival, Mr Erhürman and Mr Christodoulides intend to meet the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the Technical Committee on Youth and the Steering Committee of the Civil Society Consultative Body.

The statement did not provide further details of the environmental and cultural initiatives or announce any agreement on methodology or substantive issues.

The leaders’ decision to meet again next week will provide another opportunity to continue their discussions ahead of Ms Holguín’s visit.