The British Prime Minister Theresa May has renewed the UK’s strong support to the leaders of Cyprus’ two communities as they embark on the next stage of the process and expressed hope that they would be able to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion within the period they have set themselves.

This is outlined in a statement issued by the UK High Commission in Nicosia on Tuesday, following a meeting in London between May and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.

As it is noted, the weeks ahead will be pivotal in seeing whether the leaders can bridge the gaps that still remain on several important chapters of the negotiations. “The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK stands ready to help the two sides in their efforts to secure an historic agreement to reunite Cyprus. Prime Minister May and President Anastasiades discussed ways in which the UK might usefully do this,” the statement added.

It said that the Prime Minister welcomed the joint meeting of President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akıncı with UN Secretary-General Ban in New York on 25 September and the stage they have now reached in their negotiations to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.

As President Anastasiades said in his address to the UN General Assembly on 22 September, the current negotiations present a “window of opportunity” for all Cypriots. The UK government believes the right solution to the Cyprus issue will bring clear economic and security benefits for Cyprus, for Cypriots and for the region, the statement stressed.

“Prime Minister Theresa May was delighted to host Cypriot President Anastasiades at No. 10 today, their first substantive meeting since Mrs. May took office in July 2016. Prime Minister May and President Anastasiades discussed the excellent progress in the UK-Cyprus bilateral relationship, the UK’s preparations for Brexit, and next steps in the negotiations on settlement of the Cyprus issue.”

Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May last year, with a view to reunite Cyprus, divided since the Turkish invasion of the island, under a federal roof.