The invitation for Greece and Cyprus to participate in the International Summit of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt is being recognized as acknowledgment of their contribution to stability in the Southeastern Mediterranean region. Diplomatic sources tell parapolitika.gr that both Greece and Cyprus are expected to play a significant role in the reconstruction of Gaza moving forward. The geographical proximity of both countries to Israel and the broader Middle East enhances their role, although according to the same sources, the specific manner of their contribution in the changing post-ceasefire landscape has yet to be determined. Greek companies’ participation in rebuilding the destroyed areas is considered a likely scenario. “The fact at this moment is that the invitation to participate in Egypt’s Summit upgrades Greece’s geostrategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean,” senior diplomatic sources maintain.
Rozakis tells parapolitika.gr: First time Greece and Cyprus participate in a summit of major powers – They will have some say in what is discussed
Former Deputy Foreign Minister and University of Athens professor Christos Rozakis, speaking to parapolitika.gr, considers the country’s participation in Egypt’s Summit a positive development. As he argues, “this is the first time both countries, Greece and Cyprus, have been selected to participate in a summit of major powers, including Turkey among them.” According to Mr. Rozakis, “Greece and Cyprus form part of the Eastern Mediterranean and therefore these countries cannot be overlooked on such a serious matter,” while emphasizing that “they will have some say in what is discussed.” However, as he clarifies, this does not necessarily mean closer ties among the countries participating in the Summit.
Sytilides tells parapolitika.gr: The Summit concerns not only ending the war, but rebuilding a completely different future for the Middle East
Greek-American researcher John Sytilides (Senior National Security Researcher at the Foreign Policy Research Institute) commented from the US to parapolitika.gr that “the Summit concerns not only ending the war between Israel, Hamas and Iran, but also rebuilding a completely different future for the Middle East, whose economic and political development has been hindered for decades by Iran-funded terrorism seeking Israel’s destruction. The Gulf region has tremendous potential, beyond its massive hydrocarbon exports. Cooperation with the technological superpower and military hegemon that Israel has become, with the support of long-term American leadership commitment, can transform the Sunni countries of the Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Middle East into the next major economic bloc on the global stage.” Speaking to parapolitika.gr, Mr. Sytilides also argues that in today’s Summit “Greece and Cyprus have a unique and historic opportunity to integrate into the emerging IMEC corridor (India – Middle East – Europe) extending from India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel, connecting with Cyprus and Greece and opening new corridors for oil and natural gas transport, logistics and other vital trade links from South Asia to Europe, competing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.”
For Cyprus, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, participation in the Summit represents international recognition of its role as a reliable and stable partner in the region.
As Mr. Letymbiotis stated, “Cyprus, as the closest European Union member state and as a regional state with excellent relations with all states, serves as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, participating in this historic moment not merely as an observer, but as a state that has acted with consistency, humanitarianism and determination. President Christodoulides’ presence at the ceremony in Sharm el Sheikh confirms the steady and consistent orientation of the Republic of Cyprus in favor of international law, peace and dialogue and reflects international trust in Cyprus and our diplomatic credibility.”
