Cyprus, Greece and Israel have agreed to further strengthen cooperation at the level of their armed forces following the 10th trilateral summit held in Jerusalem.
President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a joint declaration recognising that the region is at a historic juncture and noting that cooperation extends from India through the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean to Europe.
The leaders agreed to hold annual summits and intensify trilateral meetings at ministerial and working levels.
Last week, Greek newspaper Ta Nea reported that Greece, Cyprus and Israel are considering creating a joint rapid response brigade with soldiers from the armies of the three countries to protect their energy interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter Turkish claims in the area.
The Cypriot ministry of defence played down these claims.
Security and counter-terrorism
The three countries agreed to enhance trilateral cooperation in security, defence and military matters.They said they remain committed to combating terrorism, including efforts to eliminate the financing of terrorist activities.
The leaders said maritime security is important and pledged to deepen cooperation to protect sea lanes and critical infrastructure against emerging threats. They noted the establishment of the Maritime Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Cyprus, scheduled to begin operations in 2026.
The declaration acknowledged Cyprus and Greece’s contribution to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, including through the Amalthea maritime corridor, implemented in coordination between Cyprus and Israel and in cooperation with international partners.
The leaders referred to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, adopted by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and called for the immediate return of the last remaining Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, as well as the disarmament of Hamas according to the agreed framework.
They noted the work of the Civilian-Military Coordination Centre for Gaza under US auspices, in which Cyprus and Greece participate to facilitate humanitarian aid and commercial goods deliveries to Gaza, with Israel providing facilitation.
“We are determined to ensure that humanitarian aid will reach civilians safely, exclusively through coordinated channels and without being misused by malicious actors,” the declaration stated.
The leaders affirmed Israel’s right to self-defence according to international law and rejected what they termed unfounded claims against Israel.
Emergency response cooperation
The three countries agreed to establish a trilateral working group for emergency preparedness and response, ensuring rapid and effective mutual assistance in cases of natural disasters.
They noted the initiative to establish a Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station, which aims to enhance regional preparedness and response capabilities, particularly regarding fires.
A working group for health will be established to enhance cooperation between medical institutions in the areas of research, innovation and emergency response.
Energy and connectivity
The leaders said they would promote joint energy projects, including natural gas development, electricity interconnections and renewable energy initiatives, based on international law, including the law of the sea, and respect for the right of all states to exercise their rights in their respective exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.
They referred to the recent joint declaration of the 3+1 Energy Ministerial Summit held in Greece in November 2025, with US participation, as well as the commitment to promoting energy security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The leaders expressed commitment to the Great Sea Interconnector project and agreed to work together to advance it.
They said they will cooperate to promote regional connectivity projects within the framework of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, including the establishment of working groups meeting regularly.
Science, technology and innovation
The countries agreed to strengthen trilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including through the creation of a framework for promoting joint research initiatives, and to improve coordination regarding access to the European Union’s Horizon funding programmes.
A working group for artificial intelligence will be established to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation and promote application of AI in mission-critical policy areas, as well as in high-performance computing infrastructure and skills development.
Regional cooperation
The leaders noted the upcoming Cypriot presidency of the EU Council as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the Southern Neighbourhood, including the Eastern Mediterranean.
They said they remain committed to expanding the Abraham Accords and agreed to intensify joint efforts, together with the US and other partners, towards achieving this goal.
The declaration noted recent progress in dialogue between Israel and Lebanon, which adds an economic dimension to the security dialogue.
The leaders said they support Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
The leaders said Jerusalem holds particular significance for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and noted the historical ties between the Jewish people and their historic homeland.
They said they remain committed to preserving the status quo at the Holy Places of Jerusalem and maintaining the presence and cultural heritage of Christian churches.
“In light of the global surge in antisemitism, including recent abhorrent terrorist attacks against Jewish worshippers in Sydney and Manchester, we affirm our determination to combat antisemitism in all its forms, including calls for the destruction of Israel and denial of its right to exist,” the declaration stated.
The leaders expressed support for a just, comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Such a solution would reunite the island based on respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots, they said.
People-to-people ties
The countries said they would deepen cultural, educational and academic exchanges.They agreed to accelerate implementation of existing agreements on environmental education and youth exchanges, and to strengthen cooperation on diaspora matters.
Speaking during the private meeting of the three leaders, Christodoulides said there are no limits to the prospects for cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel.
“Our countries are three predictable and reliable countries in a region of great geopolitical significance and despite deep geopolitical challenges and security pressures, our cooperation has not wavered. On the contrary, it has proven to be reliable, resilient and dependable,” he said.
Christodoulides said he looked forward to agreeing on specific deliverables over the next six months, especially on defence and security, energy, investment, innovation and civil protection.