cyprus envoy — cyprus envoy — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ personal envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, engaged with the European Union’s newly appointed envoy for Cyprus, Raffaele Fitto, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday.
Cyprus envoy: Positive Atmosphere for Future Cooperation
According to a source familiar with the discussions, the meetings were held in a positive atmosphere at the European Commission headquarters. Both Holguin and Fitto expressed enthusiasm about future cooperation, underscoring the importance of maintaining close coordination between the United Nations and the European Commission.
Direct Contact Emphasised
During the discussions, Holguin and Fitto agreed to remain in direct contact. This commitment highlights the critical role of collaboration in addressing the ongoing Cyprus issue. The source noted that the talks also emphasised the value of the Commission’s communication channel with Turkey, reaffirming support for Guterres’ efforts in resolving the situation.
Upcoming Developments Anticipated
Further developments are expected following Guterres’ visit to Cyprus at the end of July. This visit is anticipated to provide additional context and momentum for the discussions surrounding the Cyprus issue.
No Meeting Scheduled with Council President
It was noted that no meeting had been scheduled with European Council President Antonio Costa, who is currently away from Brussels. Additionally, Holguin’s meetings were not intended to occur at the level of the heads of the EU institutions, focusing instead on her discussions with Fitto and von der Leyen.
Support from the European Commission
Following the meeting, von der Leyen took to social media platform X to express her delight in meeting Holguin. She welcomed Holguin’s active engagement, working alongside Guterres to resolve the Cyprus issue within the UN framework and adhering to EU principles, values, and legislation.
Commission’s Commitment to Assistance
von der Leyen further stated that the European Commission “will support this effort with all the assistance and tools at our disposal.” She highlighted that Fitto, the EU’s newly appointed Special Representative for Cyprus, is actively engaging with all key stakeholders involved in the discussions.
Further Meetings Planned
Holguin is scheduled to meet with Costa’s diplomatic adviser, Anna-Maria Boura, on Thursday. The details of her full programme of meetings with EU officials before her departure for Ankara on Friday remain undisclosed.
Previous Engagements with EU Officials
On Tuesday evening, Holguin also held talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Following their discussions, Kallas reiterated the European Union’s firm commitment to supporting the UN-led process aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.
Significance of Coordination
The meetings in Brussels signify a crucial step in fostering collaboration between the UN and the EU regarding Cyprus. The emphasis on direct communication between Holguin and Fitto highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the ongoing challenges.
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue, the international community remains hopeful that these engagements will pave the way for meaningful progress in resolving the Cyprus issue. The upcoming meetings and Guterres’ visit are critical components in this ongoing diplomatic endeavour.
