Speaking exclusively to SKAI and Apostolos Maggiriadis, Israeli Ambassador Yossi Amrani mentioned the importance of tripartite structures in the region, but also the role of Turkey and Egypt.
In relation to the recent statements of the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and the questioning of the sovereignty of the Greek islands, Mr. Amrani pointed out the need for all countries to respect the sovereign rights of their neighbors in the region, referring to the recent Greece-Cyprus-Israel declaration.
Mr. Ambassador, what are the main conclusions from the last tripartite meeting in Israel between the leaders of Greece, Israel and Cyprus?
Follow. I think continuity and tradition would be the most important conclusions of the visit of Prime Minister Mitsotakis, as well as Cypriot President Anastasiades to Israel, which was the first meeting with the new leadership of Israel. And the importance of the tripartite lies in the continued commitment of the three parties to the cooperation scheme, to continue to work together for peace, stability, security, prosperity in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.
In Turkey's field, Ankara seems to be making an effort to normalize its relations with a number of countries, namely Egypt, the Emirates, and even Israel. I wonder whether we should welcome this shift and I also wonder whether it will affect our own tripartite cooperation schemes.
I would not say that a rapprochement or an improvement in relations between Turkey and any other country in the region is a substitute for Greece. It's not a zero-sum game, and I think over the last 20 years we've built something very solid, very important. And I think this is also the tripartite scheme of cooperation. And this has been proven in recent decisions, recent policies, recent strategies. Turkey is an important country in the region. I wouldn't say the phrase "even with Israel." Others are interested in having better, normal relations with Turkey. I do not want to say that it is Turkey's responsibility or that it is up to Turkey to prove other good intentions. Because others we have a certain experience, I would say that the interest others is the good relationship with each country other region. The good relationship with Turkey does not mean that it will replace the relationship we have with Greece. I think that's pretty clear.
Yesterday Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu insisted on challenging others sovereignty of the Greek islands in the Aegean and I wonder if Turkey will seek normalization with everyone else except Greece.
Well, that's something you should ask the prominent Turkish ambassador to Greece about. I think he is quite eloquent. The Turkish foreign minister's statement is not new. You have heard them before and I will refer you to the statement issued by the three leaders last Tuesday, a week ago in Jerusalem, regarding the sovereign rights of different countries in the region. This is a very clear statement.
On the issue of natural gas reserves in the Middle East. Do you see Egypt becoming the hub country and that somehow upsetting the plans for the East Med?
Egypt is an important country in the region for Israel, certainly for Greece, certainly for the Arab world. The role played by Egypt is important. Egypt is now one of Israel's largest natural gas customers. We have a pipeline connecting the two countries and another one is in the works. Egypt can be a mediator in the process. I would not say that Egypt becoming a natural gas hub for the region and for Europe replaces the East Med pipeline. The question is the route of the pipeline. East Med will be done one way or another. Finally, Cyprus will have a pipeline that will direct the Aphrodite field to Egypt. Thus, Egypt is an important "crossroads" for all pipelines, for all initiatives. Whatever the route, Egypt is central. I don't think it replaces, replaces and provides a viable alternative to move forward in the coming years.
SOURCE: SKAI, 18.12.2021