Second day of Cyprus Talks in Geneva: Key developments from last night

The Cyprus talks, hosted by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres in Geneva, Switzerland, continue today after beginning yesterday.

The discussions, attended by President Ersin Tatar, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, and UK Minister of State for Europe and North America Stephen Doughty, aim to facilitate an exchange of views between the parties.

TODAY'S MEETING SCHEDULE

Today's meetings are scheduled to begin at 10:00 and are expected to continue until 18:00. Secretary-General Guterres is set to hold bilateral meetings with the parties before chairing discussions in an expanded format.

One of the most notable developments last night was a 20-minute meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides following the official dinner in Geneva. This meeting is seen as a significant step for future dialogue between the parties.

PRESIDENT TATAR'S SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

As part of the bilateral meetings, President Ersin Tatar will hold an inter-delegation meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at 10:00 this morning. He will then meet with UK Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty, also in an inter-delegation format. Following these meetings, Tatar and his delegation will proceed to the UN headquarters.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT?

1- Ahead of the Geneva talks, President Ersin Tatar reiterated his firm stance on defending the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. Emphasizing that the progress of the process depends on the Greek Cypriot side’s stance, Tatar stated, "Nothing can be achieved without acknowledging the realities of Cyprus. We are looking forward, not backward."

2- During the informal dinner held before the meeting, President Tatar shared key messages about the agenda. Upon entering the hotel, he responded to a foreign journalist’s question by saying, "Let’s forget the past and look to the future," making a notable statement regarding the solution process.

3- The informal Cyprus meeting in Geneva, hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has officially begun, with the dinner for delegation heads concluding.

4- Following the dinner, President Tatar emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating, "The mission of this meeting is cooperation."

5- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides held a 20-minute meeting after the dinner in Geneva.

6- President Tatar also briefed political parties following the informal Cyprus meeting dinner in Geneva.