(VOVworld) - Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have exchanged roadmaps outlining territorial proposals, inspiring hopes for reuniting a divided Cyprus after 40 years.

Representatives of parties concerned in the new peace talks in Geneva on January 9th, 2017 on Cyprus reunion. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The exchange took place at a peace talk in Geneva on Wednesday. Although the details of the roadmaps weren’t publicized, they will be the basis for more in-depth discussions to resolve border demarcation, the main cause of division between the two sides.

Espen Barth Eide, UN envoy to Cyprus, said this is the first time the delegations have exchanged maps. Eide said the talks are on track.

Cyprus was divided following a coup d’etat by Greek Cypriots in 1974, leading to Turkey’s occupation of the northern part of the island and support for the formation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The international community has only recognized the Republic of Cyprus, controlled by Greece.