DECC UK Department of Energy and Climate Change : Foreign Office Minister, Sir Alan Duncan, visits Turkey and Greece

The minister's visit to Turkey and Greece is part of the UK's ongoing support for the Cypriot-led settlement talks. During his visit, Sir Alan Duncan will meet Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu and Turkish Europe Minister Celik in Turkey. In Greece, Sir Alan Duncan will meet Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and UN Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide.

Ahead of the visit, the Minister said:

'I am delighted to be in Ankara and Athens to discuss the Cyprus settlement. The UK fully supports the settlement process and is ready and willing to help in any way it can.

It is an important time in the negotiations and I commend both sides for their continued commitment and determination. I encourage all those involved to approach the talks in January with the same flexibility and creativity that the two leaders of the Cypriot communities have so far demonstrated. I am hopeful that a solution is within reach thanks to the courage and dedication shown by both sides'.

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