The 10th Trilateral Summit between Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt took place in Cairo, bringing together Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The discussions, held at the Presidential Palace, focused on promoting regional stability, peace, and deepening the cooperation between the three countries across various sectors.
Key outcomes and agreements
- Regional stability and cooperation:
- The leaders underscored the importance of their trilateral partnership in addressing the escalating crises in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East. Conflicts in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and the Red Sea were highlighted as pressing threats requiring a unified approach.
- A shared vision for a peaceful and stable Eastern Mediterranean was reaffirmed, rejecting external interference and prioritising solutions based on international law and the UN Charter.
- Energy and economic collaboration:
- Agreements were reached on joint projects in renewable energy, natural gas transport, and electricity connectivity.
- The three countries highlighted their commitment to enhancing economic ties through increased trade and investments, supported by an ongoing economic forum held alongside the summit.
- European Union relations with Egypt:
- Cyprus and Greece reiterated their support for strengthening EU-Egypt relations, recognising Egypt’s pivotal role as a stabilising force in the region.
- A declaration for a strategic EU-Egypt relationship was noted, alongside the release of a support package from the European Commission.
- Support for Cyprus:
- The leaders expressed their collective commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue, with President Christodoulides emphasising the need for a solution that aligns with international law and benefits the region as a whole.
- Energy sovereignty and maritime rights:
- The summit reaffirmed the commitment of the three nations to respect sovereignty over their maritime zones and natural resources, in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- Broader regional efforts:
- The summit stressed the need for an inclusive political process in Syria and protection of minority rights. Leaders also called for de-escalation in Gaza, with Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire receiving recognition.
Statements from leaders
- President Nikos Christodoulides expressed satisfaction with the depth of discussions, highlighting new bilateral and trilateral agreements in health, education, communication, water resource management, and women’s empowerment. He praised Egypt’s pivotal role in the region and the need for international support to strengthen its stability.
- President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, via an interpreter, emphasised progress in energy collaboration and infrastructure projects, and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to regional peace and bilateral cooperation with Cyprus and Greece.
- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the trilateral format as a robust and productive framework for cooperation, highlighting its role in addressing regional challenges. He reaffirmed Greece’s support for a sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue and the importance of adherence to international law.
Also read: President in Cairo for Cyprus-Greece-Egypt Summit
Photo source: PIO
