NICOSIA, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Cypriot President Demetris Christofias started on Wednesday a working visit to London in a bid to gain support of Britain in new search for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

    In his two-day visit, Christofias will hold talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and sign a memorandum of cooperation concerning the Cyprus issue, European affairs and bilateral relations.

    Before departing for London, Christofias said he "believes the outcome of this visit will be positive for Cyprus and positive for the relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus."

    "I know that in the past there was friction, there were disagreements," said Christofias, referring to the once rocky relations.

    Many Greek Cypriots criticize Britain, one of three guarantor powers for Cyprus' independence and sovereignty, for not standing on their side on issues related to Turkey and Turkish Cypriots. British military bases on the island are another thorny issue.

    "We will try to resolve the problems that have come up and to establish a permanent dialogue, a continuous dialogue between the governments of the two countries on issues of mutual interest," Christofias pledged.

    He also urged Britain to play a "creative" role in helping the two communities on the island during the newly revived process of reunification talks.

    Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers. Turkey and Greece are two other guarantor powers for Cyprus.

    In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared breakaway and set up "the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.