A third Trilateral Summit between Greece, Egypt and Cyprus in Athens on
Wednesday effectively solidified the foundations of the cooperation
between the neighbouring countries in the years to come.
“Our 3rd Trilateral Summit underlines our well-established and
continuous tripartite partnership aiming at promoting peace, stability,
security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean in various fields –
political, economic, trade, culture, tourism,” a declaration said.
“We remain committed to effectively promoting our common values and
interests and continuing to work towards enhancing our tripartite
consultation at all levels,” it added.
President Nicos Anastasiades, his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah
Al-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras also re-emphasize that
the discovery of important hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern
Mediterranean can serve as a catalyst for peace and stability in the
region. Including the most recent one – that in “Zohr” gas field in
Egypt’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
“This objective would be better served through the adherence by the
countries of the region to well established principles of international
law,” the declaration said.
“Recognizing the universal character of the UN Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) to which all three countries are State-Parties, we
agree to accelerate negotiations on the outstanding issues related to
the delimitation of our three counties’ adjacent maritime zones,” it
added.
Recognizing that maritime industry and tourism are vital components of
the economy of their countries, the three leaders also agreed to
continue working closely together with a view to strengthening
cooperation on common projects.
With the involvement of both state and private actors, including
developing joint tourism packages and cruises and enhancing the maritime
connection between the three countries for the transfer of both cargo
and passengers.
In addition, the three leaders expressed concern with regard to the
destruction of cultural heritage of countries in the Middle East as well
as the organized looting and illicit trafficking of cultural objects,
carried out, among others, by ISIS.
“We agree to intensify our work towards tackling this alarming
phenomenon and underline the need for a robust UNSC Resolution
envisioning world-wide limitations on the trade and transfer of
artifacts from all conflict zones.”
“With the burden of proof of legitimate trade remaining upon the
traders, auction houses and buyers and not on the originating states.”
(in-cyprus.com)