Nicosia:Officials from India and Poland have voiced their support for increased participation by Cyprus in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Three Seas Initiative. This endorsement came during the 22nd Economist Cyprus Summit, highlighting Cyprus' potential as a strategic hub in the Mediterranean region.

According to Cyprus News Agency, India's High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish Manish, emphasized the strategic advantages of Cyprus, citing its location, ports, and maritime services as vital components that could enhance its role within IMEC. He suggested that Cyprus' contribution could extend beyond being a mere transit point to providing infrastructure and connectivity services.

Poland's Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Ignacy Niemczycki, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for Cyprus and the broader Mediterranean's involvement in the Three Seas Initiative. He noted the geopolitical and business opportunities that such participation could offer.

Manish further elaborated on Cyprus' involvement, mentioning the formation of a national focal point within IMEC's structure and the launch of the IMEC Ports Club. This initiative, led by the Indian company Adani, aims to foster cooperation in supply chains and decarbonised energy among countries like Cyprus, Greece, and Lebanon.

The importance of transforming coordination into commercially viable projects was underscored by Manish, who advocated for a phased approach to project development. He also stressed the significance of maintaining partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia while expanding connections through Europe.

Niemczycki highlighted the evolving focus of the Three Seas Initiative towards the Mediterranean, recognizing the dual commercial and security benefits amid the geopolitical landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Domagoj Juricic, a former advisor to the President of Croatia, described the integration of the Mediterranean into the Three Seas framework as a natural progression, critical given the current geopolitical and energy security challenges.