Cairo:The sixth trilateral meeting of the defense ministers of Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus took place in Cairo. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, Ashraf Salem Zaher, opened the meeting by expressing his appreciation for the longstanding ties between the peoples and governments of the three countries. He emphasized the importance of continued coordination to consolidate security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Greek Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Dendias expressed his gratitude towards the Egyptian Armed Forces, highlighting their role as a military and strategic force in the Middle East. He noted the significance of the meeting in shaping a better future for the armed forces of the three nations and in advancing joint military cooperation following international charters and laws.

Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas remarked that the meeting extended the trilateral summit held earlier this month in El Alamein, which involved the countries' political leaders. He underscored the need for joint coordination amid the rapidly evolving challenges in the region.

The defense ministers signed a joint final statement as part of their efforts to strengthen cooperation in defense and security, tackle challenges, and promote peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Zaher also held bilateral meetings with both Dendias and Palmas to discuss mutual concerns and enhance military relations between their respective countries.

The meetings were attended by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Ahmed Khalifa, commanders of the Egyptian, Greek, and Cypriot armed forces, and the ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus in Cairo.