Defence ministers from Cyprus, Greece and Egypt have signed a joint agreement to enhance the security of regional energy infrastructure and deepen military cooperation.
Key facts
- •The agreement was signed by the defence ministers of Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt during their sixth trilateral meeting in Cairo.
- •The countries plan to coordinate their capabilities to protect gas fields and offshore energy infrastructure.
- •The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- •Cooperation will extend to addressing terrorism, smuggling, human trafficking, and irregular migration.
- •The next trilateral meeting of the defence ministers is scheduled for 2027 in Greece.
Cyprus, Greece and Egypt have agreed to bolster the joint protection of gas fields, supply lines, and offshore energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. The agreement was finalized during the sixth trilateral meeting of the countries' defence ministers in Cairo, where they signed a joint statement addressing regional security concerns.
Security and Defence Cooperation
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas of Cyprus, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, and Egyptian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher stated their alignment on the necessity of protecting critical energy infrastructure against various threats. The ministers agreed to deepen military cooperation to ensure a rapid and unified response to future security challenges. The agreement includes plans to intensify communication, exchange information, and coordinate military capabilities. The ministers also reviewed the regional security environment, noting that their cooperation is intended to serve as a pillar of stability based on international law and respect for state sovereignty.
Addressing Regional Threats
The Cairo talks focused on cross-border issues, with the ministers calling for closer coordination to combat terrorism, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration, and organized crime. They also emphasized the need to protect maritime navigation. The ministers highlighted the success of joint military exercises, specifically the Medusa drills, noting that these have improved operational coordination and combat readiness. The next trilateral meeting is scheduled to take place in Greece in 2027.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Cyprus Mail.
