For the first time ever the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have delivered a joint televised message for Christmas.
They spoke initially in their own languages and then in each others to express their hopes for peace in a reunited country.
The Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said he wished a prosperous New Year and permanent peace to all Cypriots.
Sentiments shared by his Greek Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades who said he wanted Greek and Turkish Cypriots to live in harmony side by side in a peaceful, reunified homeland.
Local reports say the two men will meet at least three times in January.
For more than seven months, talks have ongoing over reuniting the divided island.
The Turkish-controlled north broke away in 1974 after a Greek-inspired coup. Today it’s only recognised internationally by Turkey.
A 2004 United Nations plan to reunify the island was accepted by Turkey but rejected by Greek Cypriots.