United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (C) holds hands with Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades (L) and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci (R) after their meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, Sept. 25, 2016. (Xinhua-Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday encouraged leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities to achieve a comprehensive settlement to reunify their split country this year.

After meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akyncy and Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades, Ban said he commended both leaders for their efforts and the progress achieved in the ongoing negotiations to reach the settlement.

Earlier this month, both leaders have announced that they are determined to reach a solution despite differences on important issues, while asking Ban to step up personal engagement in the process.

"I stand ready to support them in whatever they may require, including on the international dimensions of the issue," said Ban.

Noting that both leaders intend to further intensify current negotiations, Ban said he urged them "to make the most of this opportunity in order to resolve their outstanding issues, without delay, in earnest."

"The United Nations and I will do our utmost to promote a successful outcome," he added.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when the Turkish military intervened and controlled the north of the island after a coup by a group of Greek officers.

The leaders of both the Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus have said that after four decades of negotiations they are close to a solution by the end of this year, provided they can overcome difficulties in agreeing on security arrangements and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus.