Nikos Christodoulides

Greece, Israel and Cyprus discussed the potential for a long-term energy connection linking the Arabian peninsula with Europe during the trilateral summit in Nicosia on Monday between Prime Ministers Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Benjamin Netanyahu and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

Greece is working with Israel on developing artificial intelligence technology that would help in early detection of dangerous wildfires, the Greek prime minister said on Monday.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, center, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, right, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu join hands, after their meeting at the presidential palace, in Nicosia, Monday.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has emphasized the significance of resuming talks to resolve the Cyprus problem in accordance with the United Nations' resolutions.

"Greece will consistently support this stance," Mitsotakis affirmed ahead of the 9th trilateral summit involving Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, taking place in Nicosia on Monday.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is scheduled to visit Cyprus on Monday to participate in the Trilateral Summit involving Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, which will take place in Nicosia.

At 10 a.m., Mitsotakis will engage in a private meeting with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

Ankara is maintaining a harsh stance in relation to Cyprus, as seen by its reaction to an arson attack on a mosque in Limassol and its posture at the buffer zone in the Pyla area when Turkish Cypriots attacked members of the UN peacekeeping force.

Nicosia reiterated on Thursday that it will not stand for any moves that cast doubt on the status of the UN-controlled buffer zone through which the Turkish Cypriots illegally tried to build a road last week and physically assaulted international peacekeepers who tried to obstruct them.

At a time of apparent mobility on the Cyprus issue despite Ankara's hard line, Athens and Nicosia reaffirmed their common stance during the meeting on Monday between visiting Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. 

Greece and Cyprus on Monday welcomed moves by Turkey to boost relations with the European Union, but said rapprochement should be gradual and not unconditional. European Union foreign ministers said on July 20 they were ready to re-engage with Turkey, but stopped short of offering Ankara a clear resumption of membership talks.

During a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia on Monday, both sides emphasized their dedication to seeking a peace settlement for the Mediterranean island based on the UN-sanctioned premises for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.