The Washington conference on Greece and Cyprus

The role of Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean and their cooperation with the US in promoting a number of common interests, and dealing with common threats, was highlighted during this year’s annual conference in Washington organized by Kathimerini English Edition, the Hellenic American Leadership Council and the Delphi Economic Forum.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who during his two-day visit also met with his US counterpart at the Pentagon, participated in a number of public events and closed sessions with leading personalities from think tanks, and held meetings with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Similarly, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, participated in other sessions and had her own exchanges.

Both touched on a wide range of issues, from the US-Greece bilateral relationship, the close cooperation of Greece and Cyprus with Israel, developments in the Balkans, and the ongoing efforts in bringing peace to Ukraine, to the state of Greek-Turkish relations.

Taking place just a week before the High-Level Cooperation Council between the leaders and the governments of Greece and Turkey that will convene in Ankara, the discussions had an obvious added relevance for the participants.

For his part, Cypriot Foreign Minister Costantinos Kombos, who also participated and had his own meetings, presented Nicosia’s role, including in the 3+1 cooperation scheme of Greece, Cyprus and Israel with the active support of the US.

Special emphasis was given by the Greek and Cypriot officials to the India Middle East Corridor (IMEC), which got an added dynamic after President Trump and Prime Minister Modi opened the way for a trade agreement between Washington and New Delhi.

Most sessions were closed, which allowed for a healthy exchange of ideas, with the aim of promoting even closer cooperation. The network established by HALC and its executive director, Endy Zemenides, facilitated the contacts and conversations with officials and opinion makers on a wide range of areas, from defense and energy, to trade, including a spirited discussion on China.