The trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Jordan sends “a clear message of friendship, cooperation, and commitment to International Law and peaceful coexistence,” while also recognizing Jordan’s decisive role as a pillar of stability, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized on Wednesday, during his opening remarks at the 5th Greece-Cyprus-Jordan Trilateral Summit hosted in Amman.
Addressing Jordan’s King Abdullah II and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, the prime minister noted that Greece and Cyprus act as a bridge between the region and the European Union, promoting a holistic approach to security and prosperity. He also pointed out that, despite the significant progress achieved so far, there is broader potential for cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, defense, and climate action.
Commenting on developments in the region, Mitsotakis stressed the need to de-escalate tensions, respect freedom of navigation, support stability in countries such as Lebanon, and promote a peace plan for Gaza, where he stressed that a two-state solution “is the only viable path”.
Among others, he noted that the meeting was taking place at a critical juncture, not only for the Middle East but also for the wider Gulf region.
“The crisis currently unfolding raises serious challenges not only for regional peace and security, but also has broader, deep implications extending far beyond our region and certainly affecting all of our economies,” he said.
“Jordan plays a crucial role as a pillar of stability in the region; your work as a custodian of holy sites and your unwavering commitment to maintaining the status quo are particularly appreciated, at a time when the peaceful coexistence of religious communities is of utmost importance. I know how much importance you attach to this specific issue,” he added, addressing Jordan’s king.
He also concurred with the Cypriot president that Greece and Cyprus “act as a natural ‘bridge’ between Jordan, the Middle East, the Gulf countries, and the European Union,” congratulating Christodoulides on the successful hosting of the EU summit.
Mitsotakis noted that Greece and Cyprus consistently advocate “a comprehensive ‘360-degree’ approach,” in meetings with their EU partners. “Your security and prosperity are inextricably linked to ours, and what happens in the Eastern Mediterranean and your region is of great importance to the security and prosperity of the European Union as a whole,” he added, addressing King Abdullah II.
“I believe that our cooperation has already delivered significant, tangible results, contributing to the growth and prosperity of our peoples. However, I believe we can set much higher goals. The agenda is broad, as it should be. We can further cooperate in the fields of energy, investment, connectivity, defense, tourism, and climate action,” he said, thanking the king for “always standing by Greece.”
“You have done so consistently when we faced wildfires in recent summers. Issues such as water management and culture also unite us and bring us closer together,” Mitsotakis added, and continued:
“We will, of course, have the opportunity to exchange views on developments in the region. I came here from Abu Dhabi. The situation in the wider region clearly concerns us greatly. There may be some reason for cautious optimism, but I believe it is important now to ensure that we all call for de-escalation of tensions and the choice of a diplomatic path.
“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we want to be very clear: we must return to the previous status quo. We are strong advocates of defending the principle of freedom of navigation. We have done so as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and I believe this is an area that constitutes a common priority for all our countries.
“We will also have the opportunity to discuss recent developments in Lebanon, where we support the government, the need for full observance of the ceasefire, as well as the need for the government to be able to exercise its sovereignty throughout Lebanese territory.
“As for Gaza, I believe it is crucial to move forward to the next phase of the peace plan, to support the reform of the Palestinian Authority, and to remain firmly committed to the only viable path to lasting peace, which is the two-state solution.”
