A joint declaration was signed yesterday, 22 September 2026, in Cairo by the defense ministers of Greece, Egypt and Cyprus, in the context of the 6th Trilateral Meeting of the Defense Ministers of the three countries.
The declaration was signed by Greece's Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, Egypt's Minister of Defense and Military Production and commander of the Armed Forces, General Ashraf Salem Zaher, and the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus Vasilis Palmas.
The meeting took place within the framework of the trilateral dialogue mechanism of the defense ministers, with the aim of further developing military cooperation relations among the three countries.
Security in the Eastern Mediterranean at the center
The three ministers examined developments in the regional security environment, the threats arising from armed conflicts, as well as the assessments and positions of the three countries.
At the same time, they underlined the need to continue efforts to strengthen military coordination and cooperation among the Armed Forces of the three states, with the aim of enhancing security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and addressing threats that affect regional development.
Particular emphasis was placed on the need to strengthen the common frameworks for protecting supply lines, natural gas deposits and offshore energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean against various threats, especially in light of recent developments in the region.
Against terrorism and illegal trafficking
The three sides confirmed that the cooperation mechanism constitutes a pillar for regional stability, on the basis of good neighborliness, the protection of regional security and compliance with the Charter of the United Nations, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the rules of international law.
At the same time, they underlined respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as non-interference in their internal affairs.
The ministers expressed the need to intensify efforts and coordinate positions to address cross-border security challenges, with emphasis on the fight against terrorism, illegal trafficking, irregular migration, human trafficking and organized crime.
In the same context, they stressed the need to strengthen cooperation for maritime security.
The “Medusa” exercise also at the center
The three ministers welcomed the results of the joint military exercises, with particular reference to the “Medusa” exercise, which, as noted, contributes to strengthening operational coordination and combat readiness to address common threats.
At the same time, they underlined the importance and collective responsibility of the international community for the de-escalation of tensions in the region, calling for an immediate cessation of armed conflicts and resolution of crises through political means.
As stated in the joint declaration, the widening of conflicts and the prolongation of confrontations on a geographical and temporal level should be avoided, as these cause repercussions throughout the world.
What was agreed
Within the framework of the meeting, the following were agreed, among other things:
- the strengthening of the frameworks of military and defense cooperation, with the aim of enhancing the collective capacity for a rapid and unified response to future developments concerning threats of any kind against the three countries,
- the intensification of communication, consultations and the exchange of information and assessments, as well as the coordination of common capabilities depending on the severity of existing and future military and regional challenges,
- the holding of the next meeting of the defense ministers of Greece, Egypt and Cyprus in Greece in 2027.