This week, we commemorate the anniversary of the tragic events of 1974, the consequences of which we still witness half a century later.

Too much time has been lost.

Today, the Republic of Cyprus, an EU Member State, remains divided, which has far-reaching implications first and foremost for the people of Cyprus.

A forced division can never be a solution. Hope for a better future, a unified Cyprus, still exists.

In the context of the UN-led efforts, a genuine commitment is urgently needed by all concerned, including the two Cypriot communities, as well as in particular Türkiye, for a peaceful settlement on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Against the background of broad geopolitical shifts and crises, we need to join forces to reach a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, for all people of Cyprus and for the stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.