Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias[/B] welcomed the solid foundations on which the trilateral cooperation is based, noting that the expansion of this cooperation in a number of areas was discussed.
He spoke of a format that promotes regional peace and stability, with a common vision for the region, a common understanding of the challenges, their origins and the actors involved.
"This partnership has an important dynamic," Dendias said, stressing that it is a relationship that "is not influenced by other regional developments or relations with other countries."
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Mr. Dendias once again condemned the Russian invasion, referring to war crimes committed in Mariupol, where a large number of Greek expatriates live.
Revisionism and the violation of basic principles of international law are condemnable and are not acceptable in the 21st century, Dendias stressed. "And this does not only concern Russia," he pointed out.
"The Cyprus issue has been the result of foreign invasion for about five decades. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which we condemn in the clearest terms, reminds us of this festering wound in Europe, which we should not forget. On the contrary, all parties should make efforts to ensure a just, viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN resolutions," the Greek Foreign Minister stressed.
During the trilateral meeting, the possibility of expanding cooperation to include other countries that share the same vision was discussed, as well as the importance of strengthening the "3+1" cooperation, with the participation of the United States.
He also welcomed the results of the Negev Conference, calling it an "excellent meeting" and congratulating his Israeli counterpart.
Finally, Mr. Dendias noted that during the trilateral meeting issues related to energy planning were also discussed, as well as other regional challenges related to Iran and the recent terrorist attacks in Israel.
For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid also referred to the strategic importance of the trilateral cooperation with Cyprus and Greece, saying that it was a model for him during the organization of the Negev Conference as well.
"The strength of states is measured by the strength of their alliances," he said. Lapid, stressing that Greece, Cyprus and Israel have an unbreakable alliance.
Improving Israel's relations with Turkey is a parallel, welcome and timely process, which is an additional opportunity to strengthen the conditions for regional stability, Lapid said. "As always, we will do so in full coordination with you," the Israeli Foreign Minister said, addressing his counterparts.[/P FOR HIS PART, MR LAPID ALSO CONDEMNED THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE, CALLING IT A WAR CRIME.
Prior to the trilateral meeting, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias held successive bilateral meetings with his Cypriot and Israeli counterparts. The three Foreign Ministers also had a brief meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who is visiting Athens.
Source: CNA
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