Updated

The European Union's foreign policy chief says a deal reunifying ethnically divided Cyprus would be a "game changer" for the bloc and the Middle East.

Federica Mogherini, the EU's high Representative for foreign affairs and security, says an accord would be extremely important for a region "that needs hope and trust in diplomacy and political solutions as no other region in the world needs."

She said Friday the EU fully supports and encourages peace talks that are moving into a crucial phase next month.

Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will conduct negotiations in Switzerland Nov. 7-11 on how much territory each side would administer under an envisioned federation.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup aimed at union with Greece.