Foreign ministers participating in the "Friendship Forum" in Athens emphasized the importance of stability in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias stated during the conference—which included Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Cyprus, but excluded Jordan—that "the Friendship Forum is not directed against any specific party," adding, "We cooperate in various fields within this forum, including energy and culture, while being keen on maintaining peace in the region."
On his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry noted that "cooperation with Greece and Cyprus enhances our capabilities to face economic and political challenges and is not directed against any party." He considered that the presence of foreign troops on Arab lands indicates a regression in the international system.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan confirmed that "Saudi Arabia affirms its support for security in the Arab region and the Eastern Mediterranean."
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy stated that "the discussion included addressing provocative actions and violations in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean."
Cyprus' Foreign Minister asserted that "our goal is one: to achieve peace, stability, and security in the region, without exceptions or different approaches."
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani explained that "the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views, particularly on challenges related to regional security and stability."
The Greek Foreign Ministry reported yesterday that foreign ministers from four Arab Mediterranean and Gulf countries, along with at least two European states, would participate in the first "Philia Forum" (Friendship Forum), which is taking place in Athens today.
The conference is titled "Building Friendship, Peace, and Prosperity from the Mediterranean to the Gulf," where the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will discuss ways to enhance cooperation in addressing challenges to regional security, in addition to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Greek Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that it had invited France, Iraq, and Jordan to participate and considered the gathering of the foreign ministers of these countries for the first time a culmination of a "diplomatic marathon" led by the Greek Foreign Ministry and particularly by Minister Nikos Dendias.
