Cairo: The strengthening of Cyprus-Egypt cooperation, with a focus on energy and regional coordination, was at the centre of the visit that Cyprus' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, paid to Cairo during his first bilateral visit for 2026. Kombos also took part in the Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos, who flew to Egypt on Saturday, held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty. Discussions focused on further enhancing bilateral relations within the framework of the Cyprus-Egypt strategic partnership, preparations for the next Cyprus-Egypt Intergovernmental Summit, expected to take place in Cyprus in 2026, as well as cooperation in the energy sector.
Kombos briefed his Egyptian counterpart on the priorities of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the current semester and on developments in the Cyprus problem. Views were also exchanged on EU-Egypt relations and broader regional developments.
Within the framework of the Trilateral Meeting of Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, the three Foreign Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and coordination in areas of common interest, ahead of the 11th Trilateral Summit at Leaders' level, which is expected to be hosted by Cyprus in 2026. The Ministers also exchanged views on current regional developments, with a focus on the Middle East, as well as on issues related to EU-Egypt relations.
Following the conclusion of the trilateral meeting, the Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis remarked that trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, since the inaugural summit in Cairo in 2014, 'has proven its strength and resilience,' adding that it 'has become a model for similar cooperative initiatives in our region.'
Gerapetritis noted that the cooperation is deeply rooted in the history of the neighbouring countries, actively shapes the present, and is particularly promising for the future. He emphasized that a critical factor for the success of the trilateral partnership is the shared understanding of regional and international relations among the three countries.
He also highlighted that the commitment to international law was reaffirmed, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Gerapetritis stated, 'We favour diplomacy over war and promote stability in the region instead of chaos. We believe in cooperation and understanding, avoiding hatred and division. We envision the Mediterranean not as a region condemned to conflict, but as a region of peaceful coexistence for all its peoples and future generations.'
During the meeting, discussions focused on developments in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Gaza and the West Bank, as well as on Syria, Yemen, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Iran, and Libya.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.