In his statements at the beginning of the meeting, at Downing Street, President Christodoulides thanked Starmer for the invitation in such a short period after assuming his duties as Prime Minister.

He noted that he would go to New York directly from London “for a very important meeting with the UN Secretary-General, a meeting that I hope would pave the way for the resumption of talks and the solution of the Cyprus problem, based on the UN Security Council resolutions.”

He said that the UK’s role as a guarantor power and as the penholder in the Security Council, was “of great importance.” “I count on your support for ending the 50-year division and invasion of my country”, President Christodoulides said.

He said that the partnership between the two countries was “valuable” and that there was a clear political will on behalf of Cyprus “to enhance even more this strategic partnership”.

He also referred to the large Cypriot community in the UK.

President Christodoulides also referred to the serious challenges facing the region and expressed concern about the situation in the Middle East. Cyprus, he said, was doing its utmost for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and thanked Starmer for the UK’s support.

The British Prime Minister, welcoming President Christodoulides, referred to the historic relations of the two countries, “both at the country level but also the people level.” He also noted that there was “a proud” Cypriot community in the UK and that it gives “great strength” to Britain.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.