The foreign ministers of Cyprus and Israel, Constantinos Kombos and Gideon Sa’ar, met with Greece’s George Gerapetritis in Athens on Thursday, praising the trilateral partnership’s role in fostering regional connectivity.
The trio committed to monthly meetings to deepen cooperation and lay the groundwork for a future summit of their countries’ leaders.
Kombos condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks, asserting the group should have no future in Gaza, while also denouncing atrocities against Christians, Alawites, and Druze in Syria. “The Syrian people deserve support, but Syria must not become a launchpad for extremism or regional instability,” he said. He highlighted the strategic edge of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, calling the southeast a vital energy gateway to Europe. Looking ahead, Kombos addressed the informal quintilateral talks on the Cyprus issue set for 17-18 March, expressing hope for meaningful negotiations. “We approach this with goodwill, but it depends on the other side’s stance,” he noted.
Israel’s Sa’ar echoed the importance of the trilateral alliance, rooted in shared values and strategic interests. He said the regular meetings would expand cooperation across multiple sectors and shape the agenda for the leaders’ summit. Reflecting on the seismic shifts in the region since October 2023, he remarked, “With our friend Mr. Trump, we have a chance to set things right.” Sa’ar expressed concern over Syria’s new Jolani regime, where “Christians were slaughtered,” urging Europe to step in and cautioning Syria against aligning too closely with Türkiye. On Gaza, he was firm: Israel demands full demilitarisation, Hamas’ removal, and the hostages’ return, accusing Iran of fuelling instability and threatening Western civilisation.
Addressing the Cyprus issue, Sa’ar reaffirmed Israel’s support for the island’s territorial integrity, labelling Türkiye’s invasion and occupation of northern Cyprus “unacceptable” and challenging Ankara’s claims of promoting stability. On stalled Doha talks, he noted Israel accepted a special envoy’s proposal, but Hamas rejected it. He also warned that humanitarian aid—25,000 trucks in 42 days—now funds half of Hamas’ budget, aiding their recruitment.
The ministers’ talks signal a robust partnership poised to tackle regional challenges and strengthen ties among Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
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