Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece have reaffirmed their support for Egypt's water security, recognizing its heavy reliance on the Nile River. The three countries also stressed the importance of full compliance with international law in the Nile Basin, including with respect to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This came in a joint statement by the three nations' leaders, following a trilateral summit between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Al-Alamein city.
The three nations emphasized the need to refrain from unilateral measures that could adversely affect Egypt's water uses and needs, in order to safeguard the interests of all concerned states. They reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the principle of "do no harm" and the duty to cooperate, including through prior notification, consultation, and consensus. This cooperation aims to strengthen water security and sustainable management of water resources, amidst growing challenges facing the region, including water scarcity and climate change.
The three nations affirmed that transboundary water resources, including the Nile River, should serve as a means of cooperation and integration rather than a source of conflict. Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece reiterated that any agreements or memoranda of understanding on delimitation of maritime jurisdiction should be concluded in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The leaders also addressed the Israeli war on Gaza, reaffirming their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and for achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. They supported the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with UN resolutions.
The three nations expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing that humanitarian assistance must reach the civilian population safely, rapidly, and at scale. They reaffirmed the geographical, political, and legal contiguity between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, rejecting any attempts to separate them, including through policies aimed at the forced displacement of the Palestinian people.
Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece also reaffirmed their firm support for Lebanon's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They called for the cessation of all attacks against Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The three nations supported Libya's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, as well as an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process.
The three nations emphasized the importance of continued and joint consultation and coordination to address growing geopolitical challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean region. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting regional security and stability, resolving disputes and crises through political and diplomatic means, and rejecting actions that would increase tension or undermine regional stability.
Key points
- Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece stress importance of international law in Nile Basin
- Three nations reaffirm support for Egypt's water security and Palestinian rights
- Leaders emphasize need for cooperation on water security and regional stability
