Athens is taking an active role in regional diplomacy with Gaza, Iran and Syria, promoting peace and stability in Middle East.

From Amman, where the 5th Greece-Cyprus-Jordan Trilateral Summit was held, Giorgos Gerapetritis sent a clear and multilayered diplomatic message on the role of Greece in the wider Middle East region, highlighting the country as an active pillar of stability in a volatile geopolitical environment that is being tested by conflicts and humanitarian crises; citing developments in Gaza, Iran, Syria and Lebanon, the Greek Foreign Minister stressed the need for de-escalation, strengthening diplomacy and a return to dialogue, while highlighting the strategic role of Greece and Cyprus in the European and regional context, promoting a foreign policy that invests in cooperation, international law and stability as requirements for sustainable peace in the wider neighbourhood of Eastern Mediterranean.

In particular, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis made statements after the conclusion of the 5th Trilateral Summit between Greece, Cyprus and Jordan (Amman, 06.05.05.2026).

Statement

I am honoured and delighted to be in Amman today for the Trilateral Summit between Jordan, Cyprus and Greece. On behalf of our Prime Minister and the Greek delegation, I would like to thank His Majesty and Minister Ayman Safadi wholeheartedly for their warm hospitality. We truly appreciate the difficult and valuable work you are doing to promote peace in the wider Middle East region.

Our fifth meeting, which comes at a critical juncture for our neighbourhood and for the world, demonstrates the enduring strength of our cooperation as a pillar of peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region.

This cooperation is based on our common understanding of the challenges facing our region and our shared vision of a region free of war, aggression, rivalry and conflict. At the same time, we are guided by common values and principles, by an unwavering respect for international law and full adherence to the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

We had the opportunity today to exchange views on regional and international issues, focusing on developments in the wider Middle East, in particular the war in Iran, the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank.

With regard to Iran, we reaffirmed our common conviction that preventing further escalation is of utmost importance and that diplomacy must prevail, underlining that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through dialogue. In this context, we stress the importance of maintaining the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Maritime security – dear Ayman, dear Constantine – and the protection of freedom of navigation also remain high priorities. Greece has expressed its readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure free passage through the Straits of Hormuz when conditions allow.

As regards Gaza, we have expressed our common position on the need for an immediate improvement of the humanitarian situation. We also underlined the urgent need to move forward with the Second Phase, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

At the same time, we stressed the importance of a clear political horizon for the Palestinian people, the resumption of the political process leading to a two-state solution, the only possible solution for a lasting peace. Greece stands ready to contribute actively to the next day in Gaza, both in the humanitarian field and in the stabilization and reconstruction in the region.

We also expressed our shared concern about the increased settlement violence in the West Bank. In this context, we stress the importance of preserving the status quo of the Holy Land. We reaffirmed our support for the important role of the Hashemite Custody over the Holy Land in Jerusalem.

On Lebanon, we welcome the decision of the Lebanese and Israeli leadership to engage in direct talks, which could form the basis for a comprehensive peace agreement.

Turning to Syria, we reaffirmed our support for the country. As Ayman said, we seek a peaceful and prosperous Syria where all Syrians, regardless of gender, religion or nationality, feel safe and their rights are respected. In this context, we stress the need for an inclusive political transition that ensures the representation of all ethnic and religious communities in the country, without any exclusion. Greece and Syria share a long history, which includes the Greek Orthodox Christians in Syria, for whom Greece has a special interest.

Dignified Ministers, Jordan is a cornerstone of stability in the region. It is imperative that this stability be maintained.

Greece, as a member of the European Union, together with Cyprus, as the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will ensure that this goal is achieved within the framework of the European Union. We will continue to work closely together in pursuit of a shared vision for a secure, stable and prosperous neighbourhood, proving that meaningful cooperation is not only possible but also necessary in the midst of the current international instability.

This particular trilateral is not only a cooperation between states, but also a precondition, an impetus for further peace and prosperity in our region.

I look forward to our next meeting in 2027 in Athens.