Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides highlighted the importance of trilateral and multilateral partnerships, in which Greece and Cyprus participate, for ensuring regional stability, during the Economist conference in Greece.
During his remarks at the panel discussion “Effective diplomacy in unstable times: The European Strategy for Peace and Stability”, Kasoulides stressed that Greece and Cyprus have been cooperating diligently for the last ten years to build a network within which all regional countries can cooperate harmoniously and to mutual benefit.
In this context, he noted that Greece’s and Cyprus’ cooperation partnerships signal a very successful model, to the extent that other countries are willing to join them.
He also made special reference to the “3+1” cooperation scheme between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States, noting that during the last Summit at the level of Foreign Ministers specific goals were agreed for the deepening of this partnership.
Cypriot Foreign Minister noted that in contrast to the regional actors that promote stability, respect for international law, and cooperation, there is “one regional actor that is trying to freeze this paradigm of regional cooperation”.
“Is Ankara interested in a rules-based regional order or is it playing a zero-sum game in an attempt to dominate regionally at the expense of others?” he asked, underlining the need not to be under illusions on such issues.
Referring to the cataclysmic developments brought about by the war in Ukraine, Kasoulides highlighted the importance of EU’s unified approach, noting however that there are weaknesses to the European stance. As he said, it is important that the EU acknowledges its strengths, while limiting its weaknesses.
As regards the Western Balkans, Kasoulides argued in favor of their accession to the European Union, also stressing their responsibility for reforms that this perspective implies.
Source: Cyprus News Agency