Egypt recently hosted the sixth trilateral meeting of defense ministers with Greece and Cyprus, aiming to strengthen strategic partnership and cooperation among the three nations. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Defense Minister, Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahar, Greek Defense Minister, Nikolaos Dendias, and Cypriot Defense Minister, Vassilis Palamas. The trilateral meeting is part of Egypt's efforts to foster cooperation with friendly countries.
During the meeting, Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahar emphasized the importance of the long-standing relations between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, and the need to continue coordinating efforts to enhance security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. He also highlighted the significance of building on previous outcomes of the trilateral cooperation mechanism to serve mutual interests. The ministers discussed ways to promote military cooperation and exchanged views on regional security issues.
Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Dendias expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian Armed Forces, describing them as a significant military force in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of the trilateral meeting in shaping a better future for the armed forces of the three countries, promoting cooperation while respecting international laws and agreements. Dendias also acknowledged Egypt's role in maintaining regional stability.
Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palamas noted that the meeting was an extension of the trilateral summit held in the Egyptian city of El Alamein earlier this month. He emphasized the need for joint coordination in the face of rapidly evolving challenges in the region. Palamas also expressed his country's commitment to strengthening military cooperation with Egypt and Greece.
The trilateral meeting concluded with the signing of a joint statement, reflecting the efforts of the Egyptian, Greek, and Cypriot armed forces to support defense and security cooperation. The statement aimed to address challenges and promote peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ministers also explored opportunities for cooperation in various fields, including military training and exercises.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Field Marshal Ashraf Salem Zahar held bilateral talks with Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Dendias, discussing topics of mutual interest and ways to enhance military relations between the two countries. A similar meeting was held with Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palamas, focusing on strengthening military cooperation and exchanging expertise between the Egyptian and Cypriot armed forces.
The meeting was attended by senior military officials, including Egyptian Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, and ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus in Cairo. The trilateral defense meeting demonstrates the commitment of Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus to enhancing security cooperation and promoting stability in the region.
Key points
- The trilateral meeting aimed to strengthen strategic partnership and cooperation among Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus.
- The ministers emphasized the importance of building on previous outcomes of the trilateral cooperation mechanism.
- The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint statement to support defense and security cooperation.
