Egyptian Defence Minister Ashraf Salem Zaher, Greece’s Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Dendias and Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas hold copies of the joint statement after the sixth trilateral defence ministers’ meeting in Cairo. Photo: Eurokinissi

NNA News - Egypt, Greece and Cyprus have agreed to strengthen military coordination and joint protection of critical energy infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean, as the three countries respond to a changing regional security environment.

The agreement followed the sixth trilateral meeting of the countries' defence ministers in Cairo on Tuesday, where Egyptian Defence Minister and Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Ashraf Salem Zaher, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas signed a joint statement. The ministers said they had reviewed regional security developments and threats arising from armed conflicts. They agreed to strengthen military coordination and work jointly to support security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A key element of the statement was energy security. The three countries said they shared the view that protection frameworks for “supply lines, gas fields, and offshore energy infrastructure” should be strengthened against various threats, particularly in light of recent developments in the region. Zaher stressed the importance of continued coordination and building on previous meetings under the trilateral cooperation mechanism, saying this should serve the mutual interests of the three countries, according to the Egyptian Armed Forces and the State Information Service.

Dendias said the meeting was important for “shaping a better future for the armed forces of the three countries” and advancing joint military cooperation in accordance with international charters and laws, according to the Egyptian statement. Palmas described the meeting as an extension of the trilateral summit involving the countries' political leaders in El Alamein earlier this month. He called for greater coordination amid “the rapidly evolving challenges and developments facing the region”.

The joint statement also calls for closer cooperation against cross-border security threats, including terrorism, smuggling, irregular migration, human trafficking and organised crime. The ministers also highlighted the need to secure maritime navigation. The defence cooperation is being reinforced by practical military training. The three ministers welcomed the results of Exercise Medusa, which concluded in Greece on Sept. 18 after involving forces from Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France and Italy. The exercise included naval and air operations, air defence, reconnaissance, special forces and counter-drone capabilities, with its stated objective being to improve cooperation and interoperability.

The joint statement said the exercise contributed to “enhancing operational coordination and combat readiness” against shared threats. The ministers also agreed to intensify communication, consultations and the exchange of information and assessments, while coordinating capabilities in response to current and future security challenges.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets Greece’s Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Dendias and members of the Egyptian and Greek delegations in Cairo. Photo: Eurokinissi

At the same time, the three governments framed their cooperation within international law. The statement reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, state sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs. It also said the trilateral mechanism should remain free from “international/regional competition and polarization”.

The ministers called for de-escalation of current regional tensions, an end to armed conflicts and political solutions to crises, while reaffirming their intention to maintain dialogue with concerned parties. Their next trilateral defence ministers' meeting is scheduled to take place in Greece in 2027.