The British government remains committed to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, UK Minister for Europe Lord Wood reaffirmed during an official reception on Tuesday in London, marking the 66th anniversary of Cyprus's independence.
On his part, the High Commissioner of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, Kyriacos Kouros, called on the British government to continue playing an active and constructive role in efforts to resume negotiations, underlining London's particular responsibilities as a guarantor power and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
The reception took place at the official residence of the High Commissioner, where Kouros, his spouse Vasiliki Kinani Kourou, and members of the Cypriot diplomatic mission welcomed British politicians, diplomats and representatives of international organisations.
Among the guests were Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.
In his address, Kouros stressed that Cyprus continues to live with the consequences of the Turkish invasion of 1974, noting that Ankara has shown no willingness to return to the negotiating table.
He emphasised that Nicosia remains ready to resume negotiations from where they left off, on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Addressing Lord Wood, he highlighted the United Kingdom's particular responsibility, not only as a guarantor power but also as the country responsible for drafting Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.
In response, the British Minister reaffirmed London's continued support to United Nations-led efforts, encouraging all parties to engage constructively in the process.
Particular emphasis was placed on further strengthening relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
Lord Wood noted that Cypriot Foreign Minister,Constantinos Kombos, was among the first counterparts he contacted after taking office in July.
He also confirmed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries is scheduled for later this year, covering defence, security, trade and other areas of cooperation.
Kouros also referred to the differences that remain regarding the British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, expressing confidence that these could be addressed through frank and constructive dialogue.
The British Minister expressed particular gratitude to the Republic of Cyprus for its support for efforts to bring the United Kingdom and the European Union closer together, describing the strengthening of this relationship as a key priority for his government.
He also congratulated Nicosia on its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Cypriot High Commissioner highlighted Cyprus's role as a force for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, its contribution to humanitarian operations and the importance of maritime security, particularly in light of developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Both speakers paid tribute to the Cypriot community's contribution to British society.
Kouros estimated that the Cypriot diaspora in the United Kingdom numbers up to 450,000 people, while Lord Wood praised its contribution to the economy, science, culture and public life.
The independence anniversary celebrations also included a second event at the Cypriot Brotherhood in North London, attended by members of the Cypriot and Greek communities, as well as prominent figures from the Cypriot diaspora who have distinguished themselves in British society.
The national anthems of the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom were played at the opening of both events.
