Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani met in Athens to discuss a trilateral cooperation scheme involving Cyprus. The meeting, announced by the Greek foreign ministry on Wednesday, reflects a strategic intention to enhance regional collaboration.
Trilateral cooperation: Commitment to Regional Cooperation
During the meeting, both ministers underscored their commitment to fostering regional cooperation through the establishment of a trilateral format that would include Cyprus. Lana Zochiou, spokesperson for the Greek foreign ministry, relayed this intent, stating, “The ministers confirmed their will to promote regional cooperation by establishing a trilateral format with the participation of the Republic of Cyprus.”
Potential Meeting at the UN General Assembly
The first meeting of the proposed trilateral partnership could occur during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled from September 9 to September 29 in New York. This platform presents an opportunity for further dialogue and the potential for solidifying agreements among the involved parties.
Awaiting Concrete Measures
While the discussion marks a significant step in diplomatic relations, specific details outlining how the trilateral cooperation will manifest remain undisclosed. The absence of concrete measures raises questions about the practical implications of the proposed collaboration.
Cyprus’s Role in Regional Diplomacy
Cyprus has been actively pursuing better relations with Syria, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos in a statement made in May. He noted that Cyprus was “actively pursuing good neighbourly relations” with Syria and advocated for the lifting of sanctions on the nation. Given Cyprus’s geographic proximity to Syria—approximately 350km—this initiative could facilitate a more robust interaction between the two countries.
Addressing Migration Challenges
Amid rising concerns over asylum seekers and irregular migrants arriving in Cyprus, the government has initiated efforts to engage European Union partners regarding safety declarations for parts of Syria. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou labelled the situation as “alarming,” prompting Cyprus to lead a group of EU members to explore this issue further.
Collaborative Efforts with Greece
In a recent meeting with Greek Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis, Ioannou emphasised the necessity for “joint actions” to effectively manage the ongoing migration situation. This collaboration aligns with Greece’s expressed intent to join the Cyprus-led EU Syria Group, aiming to address the complexities of migration flows in the region.
International Meeting on Migration
In mid-May 2024, an international meeting of interior ministers was convened in Cyprus, featuring representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Poland. This gathering aimed to discuss coordinated strategies to tackle the pressing issues related to migration and asylum seekers.
Looking Ahead
The discussions between Greece and Syria, with Cyprus as a participating nation, signal a potential shift in regional dynamics. While the specifics of the trilateral cooperation scheme are yet to be defined, these diplomatic efforts could pave the way for enhanced collaboration in addressing shared challenges.
The ongoing dialogue between these countries illustrates the importance of regional partnerships in navigating complex political and humanitarian issues. As the situation develops, the involvement of Cyprus alongside Greece and Syria could prove pivotal in shaping future cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Leave a Reply