Jordan is Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Jordan for the 5th Summit EGreece- Cyprus- Jordan, at a time when geopolitical instability in the Middle East is affecting global trade and posing serious energy problems.
In his opening statement, the Prime Minister stressed that “this meeting is taking place at a critical juncture, not only for the Middle East, but also for the wider Gulf region. The crisis that is unfolding right now raises serious challenges, not only for regional peace and security, but has broader, profound implications that extend far beyond our region and certainly affect the economies of all of us. I believe that, in this context, this trilateral meeting sends a very clear and timely message. It is a message of friendship, it is a message of cooperation, it is a message of unwavering commitment to international law and peaceful coexistence.”
In another point, Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that “we can cooperate more on energy, investment, connectivity, defence, tourism and climate action. Thank you, Your Majesty, for always standing by Greece. You did so consistently when we faced problems with fires in recent summers. Also, issues such as water management and culture, all these things unite us and bring us closer together.”
Referring to his recent trip to the United Arab Emirates, he noted that “we will, of course, have the opportunity to exchange views on developments in the region. I came here from Abu Dhabi. The situation in the wider region is obviously of particular concern to us. Perhaps there is reason for some cautious optimism, but I think it is important now to ensure that we all call for a de-escalation of tensions and the diplomatic route.”
What he said about the Strait of Hormuz
On the Sea Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister said that “we want to be very clear: we need to return to the previous status quo. We are strong advocates of defending the concept of freedom of navigation. We have done so as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and I believe this is an area that is a shared priority for all our countries.”
The entire statement of Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Your Majesty, dear Niko, I am delighted that we are meeting once again for this 5th Trilateral Summit, and I would like to thank you warmly, Your Majesty, for hosting us here in beautiful Amman. Indeed, this meeting is taking place at a critical juncture, not only for the Middle East but also for the wider Gulf region.
The crisis that is unfolding right now raises serious challenges, not only for regional peace and security, but has broader, deeper implications that extend far beyond our region and certainly affect the economies of all of us.
I believe that, in this context, this trilateral meeting sends a very clear and timely message. It is a message of friendship, it is a message of cooperation, it is a message of unwavering commitment to international law and peaceful coexistence. And in this light, Your Majesty, let me express our deep appreciation for your leadership.
Jordan plays a key role as a pillar of stability in the region, your work as a custodian of holy sites and your unwavering commitment to maintaining the status quo is highly appreciated at a time when peaceful coexistence of religious communities is of paramount importance. I know how much importance you attach to this particular issue.
As Nikos mentioned, Greece and Cyprus, Cyprus and Greece act as a natural “bridge” between Jordan, the Middle East, the Gulf countries and the European Union. Congratulations to Nikos for organizing a highly successful Summit in Cyprus. We in the European Council, Your Majesty, are constantly advocating to our EU partners what we call a 360-degree integrated approach.
Your security, your prosperity is inextricably linked to ours, and what happens in the Eastern Mediterranean and your region is very important for the security and prosperity of the European Union as a whole. I believe that our cooperation has already produced important, tangible results, contributing to the development and prosperity of our peoples.
But I believe we can set much higher goals. The agenda is broad, as it should be. We can work together more in the areas of energy, investment, connectivity, defence, tourism and climate action.
Thank you, Your Majesty, for always standing by Greece. You did so consistently when we faced problems with fires in recent summers. Also, issues such as water management and culture, all these things unite us and bring us closer together. We will, of course, have the opportunity to exchange views on developments in the region.
I am here from Abu Dhabi. The situation in the wider region is obviously of particular concern to us. Perhaps there is reason for some cautious optimism, but I think it is important now to ensure that we all call for a de-escalation of tensions and the diplomatic route.
When it comes to the Strait of Hormuz, we want to be very clear: we need to return to the previous status quo. We are strong advocates of defending the concept of freedom of navigation. We have done so as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and I believe that this is an area that is a common priority for all our countries.
We will also have the opportunity to discuss the recent developments in Lebanon, where we support the government, the need for the ceasefire to be fully respected, and the need for the government to be able to exercise its sovereignty over the entire territory of Lebanon.
On Gaza, I believe it is crucial that we move to the next phase of the peace plan. We must support the reform of the Palestinian Authority and remain firmly committed to the only viable path to a lasting peace, which is a two-state solution.
Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your hospitality, and I look forward to a constructive exchange of views.
