The three foreign ministers were hosted at the presidential palace along with delegations from their governments. The trilateral Cyprus-Greece-Israel platform has evolved significantly since its inception and is undoubtedly a dynamic strategic alliance between partners who share common democratic values and the common vision of stability, prosperity and security in our region and beyond, Kombos said. He said he and his counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to promoting cooperation in new areas, highlighting the importance of energy for stability in the region, especially after new challenges like the war in Ukraine. In such a context, tripartite cooperation and synergies provide a much-needed platform for a rules-based code of conduct and effective diplomacy, he added.

Regarding energy, the Cypriot FM said that unlocking the full potential of our region will change the game. He also said he briefed Dendias and Cohen on the most recent developments on the Cyprus issue, and the new president’s commitment to ending the impasse and restart talks.

In his own statements, Greek FM Nikos Dendias, also referred to the cooperation and the “long-standing, unbreakable” relations between the three countries. He said he briefed his counterparts on Greece’s goal of becoming an energy hub to supply the country itself and the region with natural gas and electricity.

Dendias added that the Eastern Mediterranean plays an important role as an alternative energy corridor and spoke about the East Med pipeline and its strategic importance as well as the Euroasia Interconnector, for the consolidation of a regional security framework. Referring to the Cyprus issue, he described it as a top national priority and spoke of close cooperation with Cyprus. He also spoke of a better climate in relations with Turkey after the earthquakes. “Greek-Turkish relations are going through a calm period, but of course things don’t change overnight,” he said.

Echoing his counterparts, Israeli FM Eli Cohen spoke of stable relations and fruitful cooperation, but also of the common values of freedom and democracy shared by the three countries. He mentioned the importance of the 3+1 formation and mentioned that he spoke with his US counterpart Antony Blinken to discuss important opportunities in the region and set up a new meeting. “This cooperation is important for us and we want to promote it in other strategic and economic areas as well,” he said.

Cohen also thanked Greece for its assistance in the recent dismantling of a terrorist attack against Jewish targets, stressing how cooperation in this context will remain for the stability of the region and the tourism industry. On the latter, he stressed the need to further strengthen the tourism relations of the three countries and said Israelis enjoy the beautiful sites and history of Cyprus and Greece.

During the meeting, preparations were made for a trilateral meeting between the leaders of the three countries, which will be hosted by Nicosia at the end of the year.

Source: Cyprus Mail