Israel, Greece and Cyprus discuss inclusion of India in partnership

The leaders from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have reaffirmed their commitment to the three-plus-one format with the United States in a press conference. Alongside discussions on the possibility of inviting India to the next trilateral summit, expected to be held next year, the 9th Trilateral Summit between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus emphasised their interest in expanding their partnership, in particular, for natural gas exports.

Strengthening the 3+1 format

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu gathered in Nicosia to emphasise their strong commitment to the 3+1 format, with a particular focus on cooperation with India. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stated, "We reaffirmed our strong commitment to the 3+1 format with the United States and agreed on the value of intensifying 3+1 cooperation, with concrete deliverables also with other countries, and we talked specifically about India," according to an official statement issued by the Cyprus government.

Shared values and common interests

The leaders stressed that their engagement reflects shared values and ever-increasing common interests, with the goal of contributing to peace, stability, security, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region. In a joint statement, they said, "As underlined on previous occasions, our three countries remain committed to welcoming other like-minded parties in our resolute effort to create and advance synergies, to the benefit of our countries and peoples, as well as our region."

Energy cooperation as a solid foundation

One of the key pillars of their partnership is energy cooperation, particularly in the areas of natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy. They emphasised that this cooperation is built on international law, including the law of the sea, and the respect for all states' rights in their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and Continental Shelves. The leaders further added, "We agreed that the energy sector, and in particular, natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy, is a solid foundation for cooperation in the region, based on international law, including the law of the sea, and the respect of all states to exercise their rights in their respective EEZ/Continental Shelf."

A reliable energy corridor

Given the growing need for energy diversification and interconnectivity due to geopolitical developments, the leaders reaffirmed their common interest in advancing prospects for a reliable energy corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean basin to Europe. They also highlighted the importance of promoting energy synergies with like-minded countries and regional projects such as electrical interconnections and possible natural gas/hydrogen pipelines.

Addressing global challenges

Recognizing the global challenge of climate change, the leaders agreed to reinforce their efforts through regional cooperative projects, research and development, innovative energy technologies, and further regional energy connectivity. In their statement, they said, "Against the backdrop of recent wildfires in Greece and Cyprus, taking note of the recent assistance provided by Israel, we reaffirm our mutual commitment to assist each other in responding to emergencies and further enhance our coordination and joint capabilities for that purpose."

3+1 format with the United States

In addition to their regional cooperation, the leaders emphasised the value of the 3+1 format with the United States. This format offers tangible deliverables in various areas, including energy, economy, climate action, emergency preparedness, and counterterrorism. They also announced, "It was agreed to work together towards holding a ministerial 3+1 meeting later this year."

(With ANI inputs)