Russia's Lavrov Discusses Bilateral Ties, Cyprus Partition With Greek Cypriot Leader

Russian Foreign Minister Serey Lavrov on Tuesday talked about bilateral ties with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, raising the decades-old conflict over the island's partition, at a meeting in New York.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 26th September, 2018) Russian Foreign Minister Serey Lavrov on Tuesday talked about bilateral ties with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, raising the decades-old conflict over the island's partition, at a meeting in New York.

"During their talks, they looked at the current Russian-Cypriot relationship and outlook for its development in various spheres ... including at the UN," the Russian ministry said in a statement.

They also shared their take on pressing global and regional issues, including the 44-year row between Greek Cypriots and Turks over control of the Eastern Mediterranean island.

"The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed support for efforts to reunite the island and commitment to a comprehensive, lasting and fair solution," the statement continued.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied its northern part and proclaimed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus nearly a decade later. Only Turkey recognizes the republic. On-and-off peace talks mediated by the UN have not yielded any tangible result.