Leaders from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel met in Jerusalem. This meeting showed their growing work together. They talked about energy, defence, and business. They want to make the region more stable. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended. They agreed to work together on new challenges. Cyprus will also help improve Israel's relationship with the European Union.
The leaders discussed important projects. They focused on natural gas and the Great Sea Interconnector. This is a plan for an underwater electricity cable. It will connect Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. They plan to agree on gas field management by 2026. They also talked about starting the cable project between Cyprus and Israel. This part is easier to build first. They also thought about connecting this project to a larger economic plan.
Defence and security were also important topics. Israel is interested in military equipment from Cyprus. They also want to work together to get money from the EU. They discussed security in the region, especially concerning Iran. Cyprus is looking at new military equipment. They may also do joint military training with Israel. Israel might also help with a new EU centre for fire safety in Cyprus.
Cyprus wants to be a key place for Europe. This will be more true when it leads the EU Council. The summit had five main goals with deadlines. President Christodoulides shared a plan for the Gaza crisis. This included aid and rebuilding. They also talked about working with the United States more. This cooperation now covers many areas. It will help important projects move forward.
However, some countries are not happy. Turkish media called the meeting an "anti-Turkish alliance." They said it was a military pact. They claimed Israel is putting anti-aircraft systems in Cyprus. They also mentioned Greek defence purchases from Israel. The Cypriot Ministry of Defence said it is not an alliance against Turkey. But this shows the region is complex. Cyprus recently made an agreement with Lebanon. This helps with energy security. The summit aims for a safer region.