The foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt convened in New York on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss strengthening their trilateral cooperation. This meeting, which follows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s recent visit to Turkey, underscores the strategic importance of the Greece-Cyprus-Egypt partnership in ensuring security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The ministers also explored economic, energy, and trade issues, and planned for the next trilateral summit to be held in Cairo later this year.
Reinforcing Strategic Partnerships
The trilateral meeting highlighted the commitment of Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt to reinforce their strategic partnerships. The foreign ministers emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to address regional challenges and promote stability. They discussed the importance of their alliance in countering security threats and fostering economic growth.
The ministers also touched upon the significance of the Greece-Egypt High Cooperation Council, which is scheduled to take place before the end of 2024. This council aims to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas of collaboration. The discussions reaffirmed that Egypt’s relations with Turkey would not affect its strong ties with Greece and Cyprus.
Additionally, the meeting underscored the importance of the Greece-Egypt electricity interconnection project, known as the GREGY project. This initiative aims to link the power grids of the two countries via a submarine cable, enhancing energy security and cooperation in the region.
Economic and Energy Cooperation
Economic and energy cooperation were key topics during the trilateral meeting. The ministers discussed ways to boost trade and investment between the three countries. They explored opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships in various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and technology.
Energy cooperation was a focal point, with discussions on the potential for joint projects in the gas and renewable energy sectors. The ministers highlighted the importance of leveraging their combined resources and expertise to enhance energy security and sustainability. They also discussed the EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, particularly the 7.4 billion euros economic package agreed between the EU and Egypt.
The meeting also addressed the need for closer cooperation between diaspora communities and parliamentary representatives. This collaboration aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding between the peoples of Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
Planning for Future Summits
The foreign ministers agreed on the importance of regular trilateral summits to maintain momentum and address emerging challenges. They planned for the next summit to be held in Cairo later this year, where they will continue to build on the progress made in New York.
The ministers also discussed the organization of future meetings and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of agreed initiatives. They emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and coordination to achieve their shared goals.
The trilateral partnership between Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt is seen as a model for regional cooperation. By working together, the three countries aim to create a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean region. The upcoming summit in Cairo will provide an opportunity to further strengthen their alliance and explore new avenues for collaboration.
