Representatives of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot political parties met on Thursday in the buffer zone near Ledra Palace as part of the bicommunal dialogue organized under the auspices of the Slovak Republic’s Embassy in South Lefkoşa.

The meeting also included local authority representatives from both sides of the island.

In a joint communique, the participants urged the leaders of the two communities to heed the recent appeal by the United Nations Secretary-General and the voices of local communities, emphasizing the importance of agreeing to open new crossing points.

Key areas identified for these crossings include Lefkoşa, Kiracıköy-Akıncılar, and Erenköy.

The representatives stated that establishing new crossing points would significantly alleviate isolation and daily hardships experienced by residents in affected regions.

Furthermore, such an initiative would enhance intercommunal relations and foster cooperation between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

They stressed that progress on this issue should be guided by empathy and mutual benefit, prioritizing the collective interests of all Cypriots over community-specific concerns.

An agreement on new crossings would also be a meaningful step toward resuming negotiations for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the Cyprus problem, the communiqué stated.

In addition to political party representatives, prominent local officials advocating for the initiative were present, including Lefkoşa Mayors Charalambos Prountzos and Mehmet Harmancı, Kiracıköy Mayor Kyriakos Kareklas, Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler, and Tillyria Community Complex President Nicos Kleanthous.