Cyprus question and maritime security take center stage at Cairo summit

Leaders of Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece convened in Cairo on Wednesday for their tenth trilateral summit, emphasizing their dedication to regional peace, stability, and economic cooperation. 

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides issued a joint statement highlighting their shared vision for prosperity and sustainable development in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The three leaders underlined the principles of trust and cooperation underpinning their strategic partnership. They called for intensified collaboration on economic prosperity, energy security, and the promotion of peace across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa.

"We affirm our collective commitment to peace and stability in the region while urging all actors to contribute to de-escalation and refrain from provocative actions," the statement read.

Key areas of discussion included energy security, with a focus on projects like the EuroAfrica Interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, and the GREGY project, aimed at facilitating the exchange of green energy.

The leaders addressed pressing regional issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. 

They reiterated their support for a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel in accordance with UN resolutions.

On Syria, they stressed the importance of a Syrian-led political process free from foreign interference and consistent with UN Security Council resolution 2254. They also called for the protection of Syria’s cultural heritage and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities.

Regarding Libya, the summit emphasized the need for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections and the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries. The leaders also supported efforts to unify Libya’s military institutions under the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.

On Sudan, they called for a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of a Sudanese-led transitional process. The leaders highlighted the importance of humanitarian assistance and the preservation of state institutions to prevent regional instability and illegal migration.

Resolving the Cyprus Question

The summit reaffirmed support for a Cypriot-led peace process to reunify the island as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, in line with UN Security Council resolutions. The leaders welcomed UN initiatives to restart negotiations and pledged continued backing for these efforts.

The leaders committed to enhancing trilateral collaboration in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, cultural relations, healthcare, and sustainable development. They stressed the importance of fostering business-to-business partnerships and strengthening ties between chambers of commerce and joint business associations.

Energy cooperation remained a central focus, with agreements to advance natural gas exploration and maritime security. The leaders emphasized adherence to international law in delimiting maritime jurisdictions, ensuring respect for the sovereignty of all states in the region.

The summit also addressed security concerns, with commitments to counter terrorism, extremism, and organized crime. Enhanced intelligence sharing, border security, and anti-trafficking measures were identified as priorities to safeguard regional stability.

Since its inception a decade ago, the Egypt-Cyprus-Greece trilateral partnership has evolved into a cornerstone of regional cooperation. This latest summit reinforced the alliance’s goals of fostering stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange, setting a robust agenda for future collaboration.