Greece, Cyprus and Egypt Strengthen Strategic Alliance at Trilateral Summit
Against the backdrop of pivotal shifts in security and energy dynamics across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the leaders of Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt convened today in the coastal city of El Alamein, Egypt, for a high-level Trilateral Summit.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reaffirmed the strategic depth of their partnership, underscoring the trilateral mechanism as a cornerstone of regional stability.
Prior to the plenary sessions, the three leaders held a series of bilateral meetings focusing on pressing geopolitical challenges, cross-border energy projects, migration management, and regional conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Libya.
Key Statements from the Joint Press Conference
Speaking during a joint press briefing following their deliberations, the three heads of state delivered a unified message centered on international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and multi-sectoral regional integration.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi highlighted that the trilateral alliance serves as a benchmark for constructive engagement and strategic partnership in the Mediterranean. He emphasized the importance of expanding trade and economic cooperation while calling for coordinated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. President el-Sisi also stressed the urgent need for safe, unhindered humanitarian aid delivery across the Gaza Strip and the protection of vital maritime and energy corridors.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the geopolitical and energy significance of the alliance. He drew special attention to the Greece–Egypt electricity interconnector project (GREGY), characterizing it as a transformative initiative that turns the Eastern Mediterranean into an energy bridge between Africa and Europe, fostering European energy diversification and security. Prime Minister Mitsotakis reiterated the imperative of upholding national sovereignty and sovereign rights strictly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), making clear that this trilateral partnership does not target any third party, but remains strictly anchored in international legality.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides noted that the trilateral format has matured into a robust, institutionalized alliance. He expressed profound gratitude to Cairo and Athens for their consistent and principled support toward finding a viable, comprehensive resolution to the Cyprus issue based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions. President Christodoulides also pointed to progress on initiatives linking Cypriot offshore natural gas fields to Egyptian liquefaction infrastructure (LNG), cementing the region’s role in global energy markets.
Highlights from the Joint Declaration
The leaders concluded the summit by issuing the El Alamein Joint Declaration, outlining shared positions and strategic commitments:
• The Cyprus Issue & Eastern Mediterranean: Full reiteration of support for a just, comprehensive, and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue in accordance with UN resolutions, alongside an explicit condemnation of unilateral actions that undermine peace and fuel regional friction.
• Energy Security: Highlighting energy cooperation as a primary engine of regional growth, prioritizing the GREGY electricity interconnector and the monetization of regional natural gas resources.
• The Middle East & Gaza: Strong reaffirmation of the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital; profound concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; calls for unhindered aid access; and outright rejection of any forced displacement of the Palestinian population.
• Libya: Commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Libya, calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries, and advocating for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections under UN auspices.
• Water Security & Migration: Recognition of the vital significance of the River Nile to Egypt and the necessity of adhering to international law; and the adoption of a comprehensive approach to combat irregular migration while promoting regular, lawful pathways.
The summit concluded with the agreement to fully operationalize the Permanent Secretariat of the trilateral mechanism in Nicosia, with Cyprus scheduled to host the upcoming 11th Trilateral Summit.
All of the joint declaration here.
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