The statement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Parliament—that Greece intends to invite all coastal states of the Eastern Mediterranean to a common forum for dialogue—is not just another generic remark. If translated into action, it could mark the beginning of a new era for the region—an era of understanding, stability, and respect for the Law of the Sea.
The Prime Minister’s remark that “Greece has nothing to fear from sitting at the table with anyone” reflects a new, more mature approach to Greek foreign policy. Dialogue is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of confidence and strength.
As I pointed out in an earlier article in Mononews, the reunification of Cyprus is a prerequisite for the definitive and fair delimitation of maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. So long as Cyprus remains divided, the foundation on which a stable regional system of cooperation could be built remains fractured.
Cyprus is not merely a political issue. It is the geostrategic core of the Eastern Mediterranean—a meeting point of Europe, Asia, and Africa. A reunited Cyprus, viable and secure, could provide the basis for the definitive delimitation of maritime boundaries, the joint development of energy resources, and the creation of a network of cooperation that benefits everyone.
At the same time, peace in the Middle East is an essential condition for any serious regional initiative. Without stability in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, the Mediterranean will remain a field of tension rather than progress. No maritime agreement and no energy plan can stand on the shifting sands of conflict.
The present juncture is both critical and favorable. The United States is now more actively encouraging the settlement of outstanding issues in the region. Greece, with its historical depth and its EU membership, can—and must—assume a catalytic role. Not as a spectator, but as a shaper of events.
The Eastern Mediterranean can become a laboratory of peace and coexistence, provided there is political courage, strategic coherence, and vision. The reunification of Cyprus and peace in the Middle East are the twin pillars on which a new era of cooperation can be built.
What is needed now is not more statements, but sustained political will. The sea that for centuries divided can once again unite.