Foreign ministers from Greece, Cyprus and Israel are meeting in Athens today to strengthen strategic cooperation amid rapidly evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East, particularly concerning Syria.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos, and Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar are expected to address energy issues, regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Cyprus problem – just days before the five-party conference scheduled for March 17-18 in Geneva.
Syrian situation under scrutiny
With violence resurging in Syria, the three foreign ministers will analyse new realities emerging in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.
Athens, through both its prime minister and diplomatic leadership, has conveyed clear messages to the international community regarding Syria’s political transition.
“Greece from the outset expressed reservations toward those who hastily recognised the existing regime in Damascus as a force that had renounced its past,” Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated during a meeting with President Sakellaropoulou.
“Greece will continue advocating for the protection of minorities, especially Christian populations, which is of particular importance to us”.
In a recent Fox News interview, Gerapetritis emphasised that “all ethnic and religious communities must be included in Syria’s governance… What we must do now is, first of all, develop resilient institutions that are inclusive. The rule of law and fundamental human rights must be guaranteed for all citizens, along with respect for international law, particularly the Law of the Sea”.
Energy cooperation advances
Greece, Cyprus and Israel are expected to reaffirm the strategic importance of their electrical interconnection, which could become a crucial energy corridor for the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
Discussions will include the undersea cable project, especially in light of recent developments and the current pause in route survey work.
Israeli Ambassador to Athens Noam Katz recently indicated his country’s commitment to the project, telling Geotrends: “The project creates a real connection and, compared to other initiatives, is closer to implementation”.
A new public statement of support from Israel for the project appears likely following the trilateral meeting.
Cyprus negotiations update
During expanded talks, Cyprus Foreign Minister Kombos is expected to brief his counterparts on the upcoming Geneva five-party conference.
Last Saturday, Prime Minister Mitsotakis met with President Christodoulides at Maximos Mansion, emphasising the aligned positions between Athens and Nicosia.
“I want to reiterate how much I appreciate your overall efforts to keep this dialogue alive, to finally achieve a fair and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, always based on United Nations resolutions,” Mitsotakis told the Cypriot president.
Christodoulides stated: “I am going to Geneva with a clear plan and strategy. We know exactly what we want to achieve – nothing other than resuming talks from where they were suspended in summer 2017, utilising the acquis of negotiations with the sole aim of resolving the Cyprus issue based on the agreed framework, principles and values of the European Union”.
