Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash crossed to the southern side of divided Cyprus for the first time in more than a quarter of a century today to dine with his Greek Cypriot rival, President Glafcos Clerides.
Amid unprecedented security Mr Denktash crossed the United Nations-controlled green line dividing the capital Nicosia.
"Happy New Year," Mr Denktash called out as he was welcomed by Mr Clerides on the terrace of his two-storey home on the southern outskirts of the capital.
Billed as a social event, diplomats see the meeting as a vital step in improving the climate ahead of crucial negotiations to reunify Cyprus which start on January 16th.
Greek Cypriot students and refugee groups protesting against the visit were kept at a distance. Relatives of persons missing since 1974 lined the street to Mr Clerides' residence.
Today’s dinner was in return for one hosted by Mr Denktash for Mr Clerides at his residence in northern Nicosia on December 5th.
That gathering followed a breakthrough meeting at which the two leaders agreed to start intensive talks to resolve the conflict.