George Kakouris
The meaning of the term ''social'' in the phrase ''social gathering'' became a talking point among journalists following Monday’s dinner in Geneva, which brought together representatives of the two Cypriot communities and the three guarantor powers. But even more attention was drawn to the seemingly coincidental—at least according to the government—15-minute conversation between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
That brief exchange holds the key to what is unfolding in Geneva over these two days, particularly regarding Turkey’s stance on the prospects of restarting talks. It also ties into Ankara’s broader efforts—alongside the EU—to improve relations and deepen ties.
Brussels, for its part, has been seeking ways to strengthen cooperation with Turkey, given the increasingly volatile global landscape, from Ukraine to Syria. This has been a strategic priority for Fidan, especially in Turkey’s bid to secure a role in the new European security architecture. In fact, sources suggest that after the informal five-party meeting, a high-level EU-Turkey economic dialogue is also on the agenda.
Against this backdrop, the 15-minute Christodoulides-Fidan conversation fit neatly into the broader international themes discussed over dinner, setting the tone—at least atmospherically—for the following day’s meetings.
The EU's involvement in the Geneva gathering, though limited to an observer role via a European Commission official rather than a higher-ranking representative, was still a significant development. The joint letter from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa further cemented the EU’s role in the process. None of this would have been possible without at least minimal Turkish consent and behind-the-scenes coordination between Nicosia, Brussels, and Ankara.
Christodoulides’ Narrative
Arriving at the UN building in Geneva, President Christodoulides was the only leader to make a brief statement, reinforcing the positive narrative he has been constructing. His message? That the Greek Cypriot side is actively working toward restarting negotiations while also securing a stronger EU role in the process.
"When there is a will, there is a way—I am ready," Christodoulides declared. Though he did not get the opportunity to delve into the Cyprus issue as deeply as he had hoped during Monday’s dinner—contrary to what government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis had hinted at earlier—he still managed to send key political signals.
The real test, however, remains the plenary session, where the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot positions will be laid out. It is yet to be seen whether any surprises will emerge that the Greek Cypriot side will need to navigate—or if UN Secretary-General António Guterres will put forward concrete proposals requiring both sides to commit.
Tatar’s Talking Points
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who came to Monday’s dinner armed with notes to reiterate his well-worn positions, did not get the chance to read them out. However, he made full use of his bilateral meeting with Guterres on Tuesday morning, as evident in his post-meeting remarks.
Thanking the UN chief for the opportunity to present the Turkish Cypriot side’s views, Tatar reiterated the need for "cooperation and dialogue between two states." He downplayed expectations for any breakthroughs in Geneva but claimed to have approached discussions with a "constructive and positive mindset, looking forward rather than backward."
Tatar also emphasized potential areas of cooperation, including energy, water management, migration, and crime prevention. Additionally, he expressed support for opening new crossing points at Agios Dometios and Louroujina.
Even Tatar found himself swept up in the "social" momentum of Geneva’s informal talks. On Monday night, he expressed his satisfaction at having exchanged words with the Greek Foreign Minister, casually remarking, "Well, that happened too." The following morning, in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel, after his meeting with Guterres, he was spotted chatting with former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, House Speaker Annita Demetriou, Attorney General Giorgos Savvides, and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
While no groundbreaking developments have emerged just yet, Geneva has provided a platform for diplomatic maneuvering, subtle messaging, and quiet bridge-building—proving that, at times, the most significant moves happen on the sidelines.
