Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides discussed developments in the Libyan crisis and other regional issues.
The three leaders underscored the need to safeguard Libya’s security, stability, and territorial integrity during the 10th Trilateral Mechanism Summit with Cyprus held on Wednesday.
According to a statement by the Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson, the leaders discussed regional issues, including the situations in Libya, Syria, and Sudan. They emphasised the importance of launching comprehensive political processes in these nations to achieve peace and stability while preserving their sovereignty and resources.
Presidential Spokesperson Ambassador highlighted that the meeting explored ways to bolster bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic sectors. Both leaders agreed to intensify collaboration through the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum and accelerate the implementation of the electricity interconnection project between Egypt and Greece.
Additionally, they agreed to enhance cooperation on migration issues and seasonal labour recruitment, with an aim to broaden their partnership across shared interest areas.
In December, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s stance that the maritime memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya is “illegal and invalid.”
This statement comes amid reports suggesting that Turkey is negotiating a similar Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement with Syria, which could potentially overlook Cyprus’s sovereign rights.
During the EU-Western Balkans Summit, Mitsotakis informed European counterparts about these developments, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding actions that may undermine regional stability and international law.
He highlighted that any such agreements should not disregard the sovereign rights of other nations, particularly Cyprus.
The Turkey-Libya maritime deal, signed in 2019, has been a point of contention, with Greece and the European Union deeming it a violation of international law.
The agreement delineates maritime boundaries between Turkey and Libya, which Greece argues encroaches upon its continental shelf and disregards the presence of Greek islands.
In August 2020, Greece and Egypt signed an agreement designating an EEZ in the Eastern Mediterranean, countering the Turkey-Libya deal. This move was aimed at reinforcing Greece’s claims and promoting energy exploration activities within its designated zones.
