Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasized the growing importance of trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece in addressing key regional challenges and advancing shared economic and security interests. At the opening of the 10th summit under their cooperation mechanism in Cairo, President Sisi stressed that the partnership among the three nations is essential for regional stability, particularly in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The summit, held at the Ittihadiya Palace, brought together the leaders of Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece to discuss a broad agenda focused on deepening bilateral relations and coordinating responses to regional crises. President Sisi hosted Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who reiterated the strong historical ties between Egypt and Greece and underscored the potential of their partnership to address both regional and global challenges.
A Focus on Economic and Energy Cooperation
Central to the discussions were efforts to expand economic collaboration. The leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties, with particular emphasis on the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), an initiative aimed at promoting energy cooperation in the region. Both countries also agreed to accelerate the implementation of the electricity interconnection project between Egypt and Greece, a significant step toward integrating the energy grids of the three nations.
Additionally, the two leaders explored opportunities for further cooperation in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and healthcare, aiming to build on existing agreements and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources.
Regional Stability and Security
Beyond economic collaboration, the summit focused on key regional issues, particularly the situation in Palestine. Both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They also reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution as a pathway to long-term peace in the region.
Discussions also extended to broader Middle Eastern security concerns, with particular attention given to Syria, Libya, and Sudan. President Sisi and Prime Minister Mitsotakis underscored the importance of political processes in these countries, advocating for comprehensive strategies to restore peace and stability while maintaining territorial integrity.
Advancing Strategic Projects
The summit also spotlighted significant joint projects, such as the EuroAfrica Interconnector, a 1,396 km subsea electricity cable that will link the grids of Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece. With a total capacity of 2,000 MW, the interconnector will establish a crucial energy link between Africa and Europe, positioning the trio as key players in the region’s energy landscape.
Additionally, Egypt and Greece are progressing with the GREGY project, a 3,000 MW submarine cable designed to facilitate the exchange of green energy between the two countries. This initiative aligns with the growing global push for renewable energy and sustainable development.
Memoranda of Understanding to Boost Collaboration
The summit is also expected to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as ports development, ICT, healthcare, and investment. These agreements reflect the three countries’ shared commitment to expanding their partnership in areas of mutual interest, with a focus on driving economic growth and ensuring regional security.
Conclusion: A Strategic Alliance for the Future
The 10th Egypt-Cyprus-Greece summit marks a critical juncture in the trilateral partnership, which has already achieved significant progress in energy, economic, and defense cooperation. The growing alignment of the three nations underscores their shared vision of a more integrated and stable region, poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
As the three countries continue to advance key projects and initiatives, their collaborative efforts will likely set the stage for a new era of regional cooperation, with the potential to reshape energy flows, trade routes, and security dynamics across the Mediterranean and beyond.
