strategic cooperation — At the recent summit in Amman, leaders of Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan reaffirmed their dedication to strategic cooperation, emphasising the importance of regional stability. This fifth trilateral summit took place amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Strategic cooperation: Commitment to Regional Stability
President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened to discuss mutual interests and shared challenges. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted that the timing of the summit was particularly significant, given the ongoing regional developments affecting security, energy, migration, maritime routes, and economic resilience.
Enhancing Cooperation Among Like-Minded Nations
The leaders agreed that closer cooperation among like-minded countries is essential to address the multifaceted challenges currently faced. They highlighted the importance of coordination, mutual trust, and adherence to international law in achieving their objectives.
Progress Since 2018
During the summit, discussions included a review of the progress made since the trilateral framework was established in 2018. The leaders explored ways to deepen practical cooperation and deliver tangible results. A focus was placed on strengthening relations between the European Union and Jordan, particularly following recent high-level engagements involving regional leaders.
Cyprus’ Role as an EU Member State
Cyprus reiterated its role as the EU member state geographically closest to Jordan and the wider region, pledging to bolster EU-Jordan ties further. Christodoulides highlighted that the summit coincided with Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU, stating, “The trilateral partnership is not only vital for our region but also an important bridge to the European Union.” He emphasised that cooperation is crucial in tackling migration, climate change, and energy transition.
Addressing Ongoing Regional Developments
The leaders exchanged views on various ongoing developments across the region, including issues in Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. They collectively stressed the importance of de-escalation and avoiding the spillover of crises, reaffirming their commitment to peace, stability, and respect for sovereignty.
Jordan’s Stance on Regional Conflicts
King Abdullah of Jordan expressed concern regarding the risks posed by continued conflict, stating that Jordan “stands firm in rejecting Israeli measures aimed at exploiting the situation to create new facts on the ground in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.” He called for sustained humanitarian access to Gaza, underlining the urgency of the humanitarian situation.
Messages of Cooperation and Peace
Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the summit as sending a “clear and timely message” of cooperation and commitment to peaceful coexistence. He highlighted the broader economic and security implications of regional instability, particularly concerning the Straits of Hormuz, and expressed the need to return to the previous status quo, advocating for the defence of freedom of navigation.
Strengthening Regional Preparedness
The summit underscored the significance of enhancing regional preparedness and civil protection cooperation. The Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station (CRAFS) was referenced as a practical example of joint initiatives that hold regional value.
Future Collaboration and Connectivity
Discussions also included enhancing connectivity linked to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), with leaders noting the strategic position of Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan as a natural bridge between Europe and the Middle East. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration reaffirming shared principles and priorities, including commitment to peace, security, and regional stability.
A Platform for Ongoing Dialogue
Officials stated that the trilateral mechanism continues to serve as a crucial platform for dialogue and coordinated action, especially as the region faces the need for “more credibility, preparedness, and cooperation.” The next steps will focus on implementing agreed initiatives and further strengthening collaboration across key sectors such as energy, investment, tourism, and climate action.
