"Greece and Cyprus have been working diligently and with a specific focus for the last ten years to build a network within which all the countries of the region can cooperate harmoniously and to mutual benefit," Mr.Kasoulides said during his remarks in the discussion "Effective diplomacy in unstable times: The European strategy for peace and stability."[/I]
[/P]In this context, he spoke of the success of regional cooperation schemes, to the extent that other countries wish to join them. He also made special reference to the 3+1 cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States, for the deepening of which, he said, specific objectives were agreed at the last meeting at the level of foreign ministers, which will yield tangible results.
As the Cypriot Foreign Minister pointed out, in contrast to the regional actors that operate on the basis of promoting stability, respect for international law and cooperation, there is "a regional actor that is trying to freeze this paradigm of regional cooperation".
Kasoulides noted that in order to address regional challenges, an objective look at the disastrous consequences of the actions of certain actors is needed.
"Is Ankara interested in a rules-based regional order or is it playing a zero-sum game in an attempt to dominate regionally at the expense of others?" he asked, stressing that there is no room for illusions on such issues.
Referring to the cataclysmic developments brought about by the war in Ukraine, Mr. Castoulides noted that the capabilities and importance of the EU's unified approach have been highlighted, as well as the limits of this approach. "Looking to the future, let us see how we can strengthen these capabilities while limiting our weaknesses," he said.
In conclusion, Kasoulides underlined the importance of the Western Balkans' accession to the European Union, stressing also the responsibility for reforms that this perspective implies for the states.
Source: CNA
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