In what is arguably a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern diplomacy, Greece’s prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is set to travel to Cairo on Wednesday for a tripartite summit with Egypt and the Republic of Cyprus.
The timing of the meeting coincides with evolving dynamics in Syria and broader regional volatility, making it critical.
The tripartite partnership is seen as a cornerstone for fostering stability and security in the region.
Central to the summit’s agenda will be the implications of a potential maritime agreement between Turkey and Syria, a matter drawing heightened attention from Athens, Cairo and Nicosia, in particular given that any such deal would be at Cyprus’ expense.
Further underscoring the intense diplomatic activity, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, will visit Athens on Friday.
Discussions with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis are expected to cover the region’s broader shifts, including Riyadh’s recent engagements with Syrian representatives.
A visit from Syrian de facto Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shibani to Riyadh earlier in the week marked an uptick in Saudi-Syrian relations, a development Greece is keenly monitoring.
Athens views Saudi Arabia as a linchpin in Syria’s unfolding narrative. The Riyadh envoy’s visit will also contribute to preparations for the Supreme Council of Cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia.
These diplomatic moves come as Greece assumes its position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a platform seen as a chance to amplify its role as a stabilizing force.
“Our goal is to be a bridge between North and South, East and West,” Gerapetritis has emphasized.
Greece hopes its new role will bolster its international standing as it navigates a web of crises in an era of heightened global and regional challenges.