Nicosia: The Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East have the potential to become a region of peace if all countries collaborate, emphasized panelists during the initial discussions on geostrategic developments at the Economist Annual Cyprus Summit in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, former Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Livni stated in an online intervention that while the US President’s plan for Gaza does not resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it presents a positive starting point. Livni stressed the need for regional cooperation to strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza, while also hoping for Israeli government support in these efforts.
Former Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry highlighted the importance of considering broader regional dynamics, including the West Bank situation and Israeli military influence. He noted that President Trump’s 20-point peace plan marked a significant US effort to enforce conflict resolution, despite its partial na
ture. Shoukry also welcomed further international recognition of the Palestinian state and urged practical steps to support this consensus.
Oren Anolik, Israel’s Ambassador to Cyprus, pointed to the Abraham Accords as evidence that normalization and partnership are achievable in the Middle East. He suggested that President Trump’s peace plan offers a framework for transforming relationships, underscoring the benefits of engagement with Israel, including investment and innovation.
Dimitris Avramopoulos, former European Commissioner and Greek Foreign Affairs Minister, remarked on Cyprus’s strategic importance amidst these geopolitical changes. He expressed optimism about Cyprus’s potential to address regional issues, emphasizing Europe’s need to engage more with the Mediterranean.
Amre Moussa, former Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister, and ex-League of Arab States secretary-general, reiterated Cyprus’s crucial role in fostering Middle Eastern peace. He called for collective efforts to establish lasting peace
and cooperation.
Harris Georgiades, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, asserted Cyprus and Greece’s roles in promoting regional stability. He highlighted challenges posed by Turkey’s destabilizing actions but remained hopeful about transforming the Eastern Mediterranean into a region of peace and prosperity.