Updated

Britain's foreign secretary says the world's "best brains" could be recruited to assist complex negotiations aimed at reunifying ethnically-split Cyprus.

Philip Hammond said after talks with his Cypriot counterpart on Thursday that these experts could also help in finding ways to financially support a peace deal.

Hammond said he's confident that the international community, including the European Union, will provide support to a negotiated settlement of the island's long-standing division.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup aiming to unite the island with Greece.

Reports suggest it could take billions to prop up a peace deal, including financial arrangements for homes and other property lost during the war.