The trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt is taking place today in Nicosia, Cyprus. The meeting includes the Foreign Ministers of Greece, Egypt and Cyprus, Mr. Venizelos, Mr. Shoukry and Mr. Kasoulides, respectively. Venizelos will be received today by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. “The three ministers will discuss, amongst others, issues concerning cooperation between them on a number of sectors. Especially on ways to further strengthen cooperation in the sectors of energy, security and tourism,” an official announcement said.
It is the third ministerial meeting that is taking place in preparation of the first Summit meeting, which will take place in a few days in Cairo, Government Vice-President and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos said upon his arrival in Nicosia. The meeting in Cairo is expected to take place on November 8. The discussions will set the agenda of talks for the upcoming meeting of the three countries’ leaders in Cairo, on November 9, two days after Greek Prime Minister Samaras’ official visit to Cyprus on November 7. Cyprus, Egypt and Greece have bilateral issues concerning their Exclusive Economic Zones. “We are upgrading our cooperation due to the crises, as well, that are currently present throughout the region,” Venizelos noted.
Cyprus EEZ
Cyprus’ EEZ has been in the middle of talks, when Nicosia denounced Ankara’s move to send the “Barbaros” research vessel in Cyprus’ EEZ. Cyprus has asked Greece to send a frigate in order to “drive out” Barbaros vessel from the area and to enforce its presence in Eastern Mediterranean.
In the Summit of the EU 28 leaders last week concerns were expressed about the increasing tension in the region in response to the exploitation of underwater energy reserves. “The EU expresses its grave concern at the new escalation of tension in the eastern Mediterranean. It calls on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of Cyprus,” the text included.
“Under these circumstances, the European Council considers that it is more important than ever to find a comprehensive solution for Cyprus, for the benefit of all Cypriots,” adds the text. The issue of Cyprus was added to the agenda of the summit talks at the request of Nicosia, in response to the denial by Turkey of the rights of Cyprus to offshore deposits of natural gas and oil.
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