Cyprus, Greece and Egypt agree to protect Eastern Mediterranean energy infrastructure

Cairo, Egypt. Cyprus, Greece and Egypt have agreed to strengthen joint protection of gas fields, supply lines and offshore energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean amid heightened security concerns across the region.

The agreement was among the outcomes of the sixth trilateral meeting of the three countries’ defence ministers in Cairo.

Joint statement

Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Egypt’s Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher signed a joint statement following the meeting.

The ministers said their views were aligned on the need to strengthen frameworks for protecting critical energy infrastructure against various threats, particularly in light of recent regional developments.

Defence cooperation

The three countries also agreed to deepen military and defence cooperation to strengthen their collective ability to provide a rapid and unified response to future threats.

The ministers reviewed the changing regional security environment and threats arising from armed conflicts, and discussed further coordination between their armed forces.

Under the agreement, Cyprus, Greece and Egypt will intensify communication and consultations, exchange information and assessments, and coordinate capabilities in response to current and future military and security challenges.

Regional security

The three sides described their trilateral cooperation as a pillar of regional stability, based on good neighbourly relations and respect for international law.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs.

The statement said the cooperation mechanism should remain free from international and regional competition and polarisation.

The ministers also called for closer coordination against terrorism, smuggling, irregular migration, human trafficking and organised crime, as well as for the protection of maritime navigation.