Bondi massacre brings Israel–Greece–Cyprus closer
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
“This cooperation has been tested, proven resilient, and contributes to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in statements following the conclusion of the 10th Trilateral Summit of Greece–Cyprus–Israel.
The Prime Minister condemned the terrorist acts in Australia that targeted Jews, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, and conveyed his solidarity with the Jewish community.
“Antisemitism has no place in today’s society and we must combat religious hatred. This struggle must be continuous,” Mr Mitsotakis said. He noted that the region is experiencing profound changes, with serious risks but also many opportunities to shape a regional security architecture that will ensure peace and prosperity. He added that the framework of trilateral cooperation carries significant strategic weight, is governed by international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, and that the alliance of the three coastal democratic states promotes regional prosperity.
Mr Mitsotakis also said that the situation in Gaza was discussed and called for the return of the remaining victims of the Hamas terrorist attack. He noted that, through initiatives by Trump, a new opportunity is emerging and that adherence to the agreement reached must be the responsibility of both sides. “We must neutralise every attempt at terrorism and strengthen regional security,” Mr Mitsotakis said, adding that Greece is always ready to contribute to the day after through diplomacy and efforts to promote stability. He expressed support for Lebanon’s stability and territorial integrity, noting that Greek assistance to Lebanon has contributed to strengthening the country’s security. Referring to Syria, he said that one year after the fall of the Assad regime, security has been restored, but all religions and ethnic groups must be respected, while emphasising the need to protect Orthodox Christians in the Middle East.
He said the above form part of the parameters for a lasting political solution. At the same time, Mr Mitsotakis noted that during the meeting the three leaders referred to security and defence cooperation between their countries, saying more could be done in areas such as civil protection preparedness, and stressed that Greece supports other countries in cases of natural disasters. Referring to connectivity, he said Greece is an important player in the Eastern Mediterranean and a gateway for LNG, which is beneficial for both Cyprus and Israel, adding that “we can be exporters of electricity and can cooperate in this sector”.
Finally, the Prime Minister said maritime security was also discussed, which he described as very important for Greece as a leading maritime nation, adding that joint exercises will be held between the coast guards of the three countries. Mr Mitsotakis also said the need to construct the IMEC was discussed, referring to “the need to move from what is today a vague concept to concrete deliverable projects that will highlight the great importance of connectivity with India, Cyprus and continental Europe”. He reiterated how quickly the United States moved to sign agreements with Greece to activate the vertical corridor for the transport of American liquefied natural gas, which he described as a project of strategic importance that has attracted strong US interest.
Netanyahu: Greece, Israel and Cyprus are three democracies in the region that promote freedom and security
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his remarks that the three countries are proud of their history and became independent through sacrifice. He added pointedly: “Those who believe they can restore their empire and their dominance over our countries are told that this will not happen. Do not even think about it. We are determined to defend ourselves.” Mr Netanyahu also said that Greece, Israel and Cyprus are three democracies in the region that promote freedom, prosperity and security, adding that “together we will restore stability and prosperity through strength, and even more importantly, peace through strength”.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasised the strategic nature of cooperation between the three countries, saying they share common goals for prosperity and security. The trilateral framework, he said, has gained momentum and matured, and he expressed satisfaction at the return of the trilateral secretariat to Cyprus. He also said that Gaza was discussed and that support was expressed for the US 20-point plan and UN resolutions, stressing that Cyprus supports humanitarian aid and security through the plan presented in Sharm El Sheikh. He highlighted the importance of IMEC, noting that Greece, Cyprus and Israel will offer a gateway to Asia connecting with Europe, strengthening regional cooperation. He referred to the “added value of the 3+1 format with the United States, which strengthens our trilateral cooperation”, adding that within the broader regional architecture it will be a reliable framework for promoting cooperation.
In concluding, he underlined the importance of trilateral cooperation, saying it has delivered tangible results and will deliver more in a region of challenges and opportunities, and that he looks forward to its continuation and strengthening.
Mitsotakis: Greece firmly supports restarting the political process towards a two-state solution
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah and expressed Greece’s support for the Palestinian Authority as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This position is underscored by the fact that it was the first visit by a Greek prime minister to Ramallah since 2015 and the first visit by a European leader following the start of the first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan in October.
Mr Mitsotakis noted that Greece is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of security conditions, while stressing the importance of Palestinian participation in the implementation of the peace plan. He also underlined that Greece consistently contributes humanitarian assistance to the residents of Gaza, always prioritising the protection of civilians, and has ensured medical treatment in Greek hospitals for children rescued from the war.
Mr Mitsotakis also noted that Greece, as a partner and friend to all states in the region, always acts as a consistent and honest interlocutor and is firmly ready to contribute to dialogue. In this context, he reiterated that Greece, as a member of the European Union and the United Nations Security Council, firmly supports restarting the political process aimed at achieving a two-state solution.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the reform programme implemented by the Palestinian Authority, adding that the successful implementation of reforms will strengthen its operational capacity and contribute decisively to building a climate of trust between the parties.
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