Recent diplomatic overtures signal a renewed, albeit tentative, push towards resolving the decades-long Cyprus conundrum, coinciding with a broader effort to foster a more constructive relationship between Greece and Turkey. High-level engagements, spanning Ankara, New York, and Washington D.C., underscore a concerted international and regional drive to explore a potential "window of opportunity" for substantive dialogue on the island's division.
The cornerstone of these recent efforts was a pivotal meeting in Ankara between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The discussions, reportedly focused on recalibrating Greek-Turkish relations and addressing complex issues in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, also touched upon the enduring Cyprus problem. Prime Minister Mitsotakis articulated a clear Greek stance, emphasizing that the current initiatives spearheaded by UN Secretary-General António Guterres present a viable pathway to resuming dialogue, building upon the groundwork laid in 2017, the last time substantive negotiations took place. President Erdogan, in turn, expressed optimism, acknowledging the complexities but asserting that solutions are attainable under international law, provided there is good faith from all parties. He conveyed a shared belief with his Greek counterpart that progress in their bilateral relations could indeed pave the way for a resolution to the Cyprus dispute.
Concurrently, in New York, UN Secretary-General Guterres convened with Tufan Erhurman, the recently elected leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. This meeting, occurring shortly after Erhurman's election in October, is widely perceived as heralding a fresh chapter of hope and elevated expectations for the island's reunification. The UN chief has been actively engaged in exploring avenues for dialogue, a commitment further evidenced by the diplomatic activities of his Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín. Holguín recently concluded a visit to Washington D.C., where she engaged in discussions with Brendan Hanrahan, the US official overseeing Europe and Eurasia, following earlier consultations on the island itself. These international consultations highlight the multifaceted approach being adopted to breathe new life into the peace process.
The impetus behind this diplomatic flurry appears to be a recognition that a period of relative calm in Greek-Turkish relations could provide a conducive environment for tackling the entrenched Cyprus issue. The concept of maintaining "calm waters" and pursuing a "positive agenda" – focusing on areas of potential bilateral cooperation alongside political dialogue – seems to be a guiding principle. Furthermore, there is an implicit understanding that progress on the Cyprus problem could have a tangible impact on Turkey's aspirations for closer ties with the European Union, potentially influencing the trajectory of its accession process.
While the road to a comprehensive solution remains fraught with historical complexities and deep-seated disagreements, the current diplomatic momentum suggests a collective desire to move beyond the protracted stalemate. The coordinated efforts involving key regional players, the United Nations, and influential international partners like the United States, underscore the enduring significance of the Cyprus problem on the international stage. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this renewed engagement can translate into tangible steps towards a lasting settlement and foster a more stable and cooperative future for the Eastern Mediterranean.