The cooperation among Greece, Cyprus, and Israel “has been tested and found resilient, and contributes to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis following the conclusion of the 10th Trilateral Summit of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel in Jerusalem on Monday.
Mitsotakis condemned the terrorist attacks against Jews in Australia, and expressed his condolences to victims’ families and his solidarity to the Jewish community. “Antisemitism has no place in today’s society, and we must fight religious hate. This fight must be continuous,” the Greek premier said.
The PM pointed out that the Middle East region is undergoing great changes, raising serious threats and many opportunities to formulate an architecture of security that could guarantee peace and prosperity. The trilateral cooperation carries a strategic significance, is governed by International Law and the principles of good neighborliness, and the alliance of three coastal democratic countries promotes the area’s prosperity.
He said the issue of Gaza was discussed, and he issued an appeal for the return of the last victims of Hamas’ terrorist attack, while also noting that the Trump initiatives provided a new opportunity; complying with the agreement achieved should be the responsibility of each side, he stressed. “We must obliterate every attempt at terrorism and boost regional security,” the PM said, adding that Greece is always prepared to contribute through diplomacy and efforts toward stability.
Mitsotakis expressed his support to Lebanon’s stability and its territorial integrity, noted that the Greek aid to Lebanon had contributed to strengthening the country’s security, and referred to Syria saying that a year after the fall of the Assad reigme security had been restored, but all religions and ethnicities should be respected. He also emphasized the need to protect the Christian Orthodox in the Middle East.
US agreements
All of the above are a parameter for a lasting political solution, Mitsotakis said. At the same time, the Greek PM noted that during their meeting the three leaders referred to the security and defense cooperation of their countries, saying that more can be done in sectors such as civil protection issues, and he underlined that Greece is a significant player in the Eastern Mediterranean, an LNG entry gate – of benefit to both Cyprus and Israel – and added that “we can be exporters of electric energies, and we can cooperate in this sector.”
In conclusion, the prime minister said that the three leaders referred to the issue of maritime seucrity, a key factor for Greece as a leading country in shipping, and said that the three countries would hold joint Coast Guard exercises.
Mitsotakis said in addition that they discussed the necessity of constructing the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), noting “the need to pass from what is currently a vague concept to deliverable specific projects that would highlight the great importance of connecting with India, Cyprus, and continental Europe.” He also reiterated how fast the United States moved to sign agreements with Greece to activate the Vertical Corridor for the dispatch of American LNG through it, a project he described as being of strategic importance and of great interest to the US.
The trilateral cooperation, Mitsotakis said finally, has provided tangible results and is set to provide more in this region of challenges and opportunities, while he added that he looks forward to continuing this cooperation and strengthening it.
