The proposal formulated by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Parliament for creating a multilateral cooperation framework among Eastern Mediterranean coastal countries includes five nations and five thematic areas, according to government sources.
As they report, the countries proposed to participate are Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey and Libya.
The proposed “5×5 Multilateral Framework” would focus on:
- Migration issues,
- marine environment protection,
- connectivity and infrastructure,
- maritime zone delimitations,
- and civil protection.
The Foreign Ministry is expected to undertake exploring the prospects of this initiative, as well as whether such a framework could acquire permanent status. As the same sources emphasize, “The Prime Minister during his speech in Parliament in the pre-agenda discussion on foreign policy referred to the initiative that Greece is about to undertake for a meeting of coastal countries in our region. Greece has always supported trilateral and multilateral regional cooperation frameworks with countries facing common challenges. This becomes more necessary than ever due to the major geopolitical realignments of the current situation. The proposal for a ‘5X5 Multilateral Framework’ includes 5 countries and 5 thematic areas. It includes Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey and Libya. And as thematic areas: migration, marine environment protection, connectivity, maritime zone delimitations and civil protection. The Greek Foreign Ministry will undertake to explore the possibility and prospects of such a framework and to what extent it could acquire permanent characteristics. Greece constitutes a pillar of stability and security in southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. In a spirit of understanding and guided by international law, we pursue peace and prosperity in our region. Greece has confidence, has a strong international and regional diplomatic footprint, a strong economy and strong armed forces. Not only is it not afraid, but it seeks understanding with all neighboring states”.
