In a recent meeting on January 20, 2025, Greek Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar discussed proposals aimed at building trust through the establishment of new crossing points along the U.N.-controlled buffer zone in Cyprus.

Despite the discussions, the meeting concluded without any agreements, although both leaders issued a joint statement highlighting the importance of enhancing economic ties and communication.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis revealed that Christodoulides had submitted eight proposals that require Tatar's reciprocal agreement.

Among these proposals, four specifically address the establishment of new crossing points, while the remaining four focus on creating a youth technical committee and implementing the previously agreed-upon Pyla agreement.

These proposals are designed to ensure positive outcomes, with both sides expected to evaluate them ahead of their next meeting.

However, disagreements arose over specific locations for the proposed crossings, with Tatar rejecting one suggested site, which hindered progress.

Tatar also expressed concerns regarding discriminatory policies from the Greek Cypriot Administration, particularly regarding entry permits for Turkish Cypriots.

He emphasized the necessity of opening more crossing points to alleviate traffic congestion at existing ones, which have been operational since April 2003.

Currently, there are eight operational crossing points along the buffer zone, facilitating over a million crossings annually for various purposes.

An agreement on new crossing points could potentially revitalize U.N. efforts to resume formal negotiations on Cyprus's long-standing ethnic division, which have been stalled for seven years.

Christodoulides underscored that future progress hinges on the Turkish Cypriot side's willingness to engage in further negotiations.

The demand for additional crossings stems from the island's division since the Turkish invasion in 1974, which has left the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognized only by Turkey.