Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened for the 10th summit of their tripartite cooperation mechanism last week. Their discussions culminated in a robust commitment to bolstering peace, stability, and cooperation across the Mediterranean region, as detailed in a joint statement.
The leaders underscored their shared determination to enhance security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development for their nations and the wider Mediterranean and Middle East. Emphasizing peace and stability, they called upon all regional actors to refrain from provocative actions and contribute positively to the region’s harmony.
Deepening their commitment to peace, they expressed grave concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The leaders urged the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, advocating for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in need.
The summit addressed broader Middle Eastern challenges, including the critical situation in Syria. The leaders called for an inclusive political process led by Syrians and free from foreign interference, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They also highlighted the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Focusing on Sudan, Egypt’s pivotal role in mediating the crisis was recognized. The leaders advocated for an immediate ceasefire, a Sudanese-led transitional process, and unrestricted humanitarian access to aid all Sudanese. They commended international cooperation aimed at preventing security threats in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa and curbing illegal migration to Europe.
On the Cypriot issue, the trio reaffirmed support for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation under Cypriot leadership. They emphasized the need to respect maritime sovereignty and rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, while also expressing openness to expanding their trilateral partnerships with international stakeholders to tackle global challenges.
Economic cooperation was another focal point, with the recent establishment of the Egypt-Greece-Cyprus Business Council marking a new chapter in trilateral relations. This initiative aims to deepen economic ties, enhance trade, and promote joint investments across key sectors such as energy, natural resource management, and cultural initiatives.
Energy and water security emerged as critical areas of collaboration, aligning with Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions and addressing Europe’s broader energy needs. The private sector’s role in driving sustainable growth was highlighted, with substantial financing supporting private ventures since 2020.
The trilateral partnership is not just about local benefits—it aims to strengthen connections between Europe and the Middle East, particularly through strategic energy initiatives like cross-border electricity projects. These efforts are set to contribute significantly to regional energy security and economic growth.
The Egypt-Greece-Cyprus summit represents a bold stride towards regional integration, economic prosperity, and stability. With a focus on shared goals and challenges, this trilateral alliance is poised to become a cornerstone of cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
