On December 20, 2018, leaders from Israel, Greece and Cyprus will convene for the 5th Trilateral Summit in Beersheba to further strengthen ties between the three countries.
Israel, Greece and Cyprus, are three democracies who share significant strategic and regional interests. In recent years, Israel, Greece and Cyprus have increased geo-strategic cooperation in nearly every field imaginable. The 5th Trilateral Summit which will take place in Beersheba points to the growing ties between the three countries. Previous summits have taken place in Jerusalem, Thessaloniki and Nicosia.
The 5th Trilateral summit will focus on opportunities for collaboration in the field of cyber-security. As technology continues to evolve, governments around the world must find ways to protect themselves against online threats and to promote a free and safe cyberspace for all.
Ahead of the 5th Trilateral Summit, here are just some examples of Israeli-Greek-Cypriot cooperation in cyber-security and many other fields.
Innovation/ Business:
Israel, known as the
"Startup Nation", continues to work closely with Greece and Cyprus to encourage projects in the field of innovation and technology. This week, the Israel MFA's
Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), is hosting a 2-week seminar on innovation for 23 entrepreneurs from Israel, Greece and Cyprus. The seminar titled "Innovation Road Map: How to Scale Up Your Start-Up" is providing participants with practical skills and tools to develop their own start-ups and ideas.
In addition, on Wednesday, December 19, the Israeli, Greek and Cypriot Chambers of Commerce held an event for businesspeople from Israel, Greece and Cyprus, further cementing economic ties on the people to people level.
Cyber- Security:
There is significant potential for cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus in the field of cyber-security. The three countries continue to enhance cyber-security partnerships to promote a safer and more resilient online sphere. Israel, a
world leader in cyber-security, will showcase four of its most innovative cyber-security laboratories and companies at the 5
th Trilateral summit in Beer Sheva.
In addition, Israel, Greece and Cyprus are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of cyber-security during this week's summit.
Energy:
As three countries located on the Eastern Mediterranean, Israel, Greece and Cyprus share unique challenges and opportunities in the field of energy. Israel, Greece and Cyprus are expected to sign a groundbreaking deal which would connect Israel's natural gas reserves to Greece, Cyprus and other parts of Europe through the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mid-East Pipeline project which will export Israeli gas to Europe, will be the longest and deepest underwater gas pipeline in the world. This major project will help advance economic and energy security throughout Europe.
Disaster Relief:
When disaster strikes, countries must be equipped and prepared to tackle unforeseen crises and emergencies. As regional allies and neighbors, Israel, Greece and Cyprus continue to train and work together in the field of disaster management.
The three countries have held a number of join-firefighting drills, to prepare for fire emergencies and natural disasters. In 2016, Greece and Cyprus were the first two countries to send firefighting planes to Israel in the face of
massive wildfires . Cooperation in the field of disaster management is just one of the many examples of geostrategic cooperation between the three countries.
Environmental Protection:
Trilateral cooperation between Israel, Greece and Cyprus is not only having a regional impact, but a global impact. In May of 2018, the three countries signed the
"Implementation Agreement on the Sub-regional Marine Oil Contingency Plan." This agreement continues to promote the protection of the marine environment and the coastal region of the Mediterranean Sea. Combined efforts and resources of the three countries continue to tackle significant environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change and waste management.
In addition to these initiatives, the three countries are expected to sign a number of agreements in the fields of cyber-security, smart cities, and the civilian space program, during the 5th Trilateral Summit.
Israel is proud to partner with Greece and Cyprus in our quest to create a more peaceful, prosperous and brighter future for all.