Source: CNA
In a fluid and volatile international environment, closer cooperation among Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt has become essential to ensure peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, stated Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis regarding the 10th Trilateral Summit of Cyprus-Greece-Egypt and the 2nd Intergovernmental Summit of Cyprus-Egypt, set to take place on Wednesday in Cairo.
In remarks at the Presidential Palace, the Spokesperson announced that the 10th Trilateral Summit of Cyprus-Greece-Egypt and the 2nd Intergovernmental Summit of Cyprus-Egypt would be held tomorrow, January 8, 2025, in Egypt.
"The upcoming Trilateral Summit, following the previous meeting in Athens in October 2021, is being held at a critical juncture for the region, highlighting the significance and enduring value of the strategic partnership built among the three countries," Mr. Letymbiotis said.
"Marking a milestone in deepening our collaboration, this trilateral meeting reinforces the shared trajectory of Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt, especially in light of the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus in 2026," he added, noting that the next, 11th Trilateral Summit is expected to take place in Cyprus that same year. This underscores Cyprus's role as a European "bridge" for Egypt and the promotion of shared interests within the EU.
According to the Spokesperson, tomorrow's Trilateral Summit holds particular significance due to the ongoing crises in Gaza and Syria, as well as the broader repercussions observed in the Red Sea region. "In a fluid and volatile international environment, closer cooperation among Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt becomes essential to ensure peace, stability, and prospects for economic and social progress in the Eastern Mediterranean," he stated.
He noted that during the Summit, Memoranda of Cooperation are expected to be signed in areas including Healthcare, Port Development, Information and Communication Technology, and Investment Relations. These agreements will further strengthen joint actions and lay a solid foundation for the future development of this trilateral relationship.
He mentioned that before the Trilateral Summit, the 2nd Intergovernmental Summit of Cyprus-Egypt would take place, focusing on the institutionalization of regular Intergovernmental Summits, to be held alternately in the two countries. "Key priorities include implementing already agreed-upon actions and further strengthening economic and trade relations," Mr. Letymbiotis noted.
Within this framework, he added, "opportunities for joint investment projects in infrastructure, trade, technology, innovation, and tourism will be explored, while actions for closer energy cooperation will also be examined." A significant aspect will also be continuing to support Egypt in its relations with the European Union, particularly ahead of Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2026.
Mr. Letymbiotis stated that during the Intergovernmental Summit, there would be an exchange of views on current regional developments, "prioritizing the promotion of stability and cooperation in the broader region and developing joint and effective strategies to address challenges."
He noted that discussions are expected to focus on optimizing partnerships at political, economic, and diplomatic levels for the benefit of all involved parties. During the meeting, several memoranda of cooperation in areas of common interest, such as Education, Information and Communication Technology, Women's Empowerment, Water Management, and Aquaculture Development, would also be signed.
"In a period where geopolitical challenges are intensifying, holding the 10th Trilateral Summit, as well as the Cyprus-Egypt Intergovernmental Summit, sends a strong message of unity and determination, reaffirming the common commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean," the Spokesperson said.
"Through the continuation and institutionalization of these collaborations, Cyprus, Egypt, and Greece remain pillars of stability, strengthening the prospects of a peaceful, stable, and developed Eastern Mediterranean," he added, noting that tomorrow's Summits are a decisive step toward realizing the shared vision for fostering an environment of prosperity and solidarity in the region.
He mentioned that the President of the Republic would be accompanied by a delegation including, among others, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Energy, Commerce, and Industry, the Minister of Labor and Social Insurance, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, the National Security Advisor, the Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office, and other officials.
In addition, he noted that on the sidelines of the Intergovernmental and Trilateral Summits, a business forum with representatives from the business communities of the three countries would take place, aiming to further deepen economic ties and identify new growth opportunities.
"Ongoing Diplomatic Engagements" Regarding Potential Delimitation of EEZ Between Turkey and Syria
When asked whether the delimitation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Turkey and Syria would be discussed, the Spokesperson said, "As the President of the Republic has mentioned, our diplomatic engagements regarding such a possibility are ongoing and continuous."
"To date, any information emerging publicly, at least through media reports, is continually evaluated by the Republic of Cyprus based on international law and the Law of the Sea, and these are matters we have been diplomatically addressing from the outset," the Spokesperson concluded.
