President Ersin Tatar on Tuesday received Colin Stewart, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission, to address critical issues, including the opening of new crossing points and the completion of the Yiğitler-Pile road.

The meeting, held at the Presidency, lasted approximately 50 minutes.

The two leaders revisited efforts to open a new crossing point in Haspolat, which President Tatar emphasized as crucial for facilitating trade and reducing traffic congestion at the Metehan crossing.

In statements to the press after the meeting, President Ersin Tatar noted that 65% of crossing traffic is concentrated at the Metehan crossing point and called for Greek Cypriot cooperation to expedite the Haspolat initiative.

He also stressed that all crossings must include appropriate security and customs arrangements, which entail additional costs requiring careful evaluation.

On the Yiğitler-Pile road project, Tatar reminded Stewart of the difficulties faced by Turkish Cypriots travelling north, often forced to use British base areas and the Beyarmudu crossing.

He reiterated the importance of completing the road to alleviate these challenges and urged the UN to ensure equitable solutions.

The leaders also discussed last week’s informal dinner hosted by the UN Secretary-General and the prospects for a more inclusive meeting involving leaders from both communities, guarantor states, and possibly under British and UN oversight.

Tatar stated that such a gathering, potentially in February or March 2025, could help foster dialogue, provided it respects Turkish Cypriot sovereignty and equal international status.

President Tatar reiterated that any formal negotiation process must recognize the sovereign equality of the Turkish Cypriot side.

However, he welcomed informal dialogue for mutual benefit, emphasizing the importance of communication channels in building trust.

For his part Stewart, who is set to present a report to the UN Security Council in January, described the meeting as “constructive.”

He highlighted the Yiğitler-Pile road and new crossing points as areas of significant interest.

Stewart expressed optimism, stating, “Since 2017, this is the best opportunity for positive momentum on issues like crossings, the Pile road, and a future leaders’ meeting.”

Tatar, meanwhile, underscored the importance of reflecting the realities on the island in the UN report.

He expressed hope that Stewart would include findings from informal meetings, as well as references to past statements by the Secretary-General and his personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, which acknowledged the lack of common ground between the two sides.

Tatar said that Stewart had conveyed to him that the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo will visit Cyprus in January to aid preparations for the potential summit.