ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Philia Forum: A Meeting of Ministers from Seven Countries to Promote Cooperation and Stability

The Philia Forum, a meeting of ministers from seven countries, took place on February 12, 2021, in Athens. The forum aimed to foster cooperation and contribute to peace, stability, and security in the wider region, particularly in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Gulf areas. This initiative marked an important step towards building strategic partnerships between European Union member states and countries from the Arab world.

The Philia Forum brought together ministers from Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAU). The event was characterized by a commitment to international law, the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as stated in the joint communiqué. This shared commitment underscored the importance of cooperation and collaboration among nations.

Greece's participation in the Philia Forum aimed to establish a framework for cooperation based on international law, starting with low-policy issues such as addressing pandemic-related challenges and promoting sectoral cooperation. By doing so, Greece sought to create common foundations that could lead to strategic partnerships and serve as a bridge between the European Union and countries from the East.

The forum was seen as an opportunity for Greece to reposition itself on the international stage, moving beyond its traditional relationships with Western powers like the US and the European Commission. Instead, Greece aimed to pursue a multipolar policy, engaging in independent diplomatic efforts that would allow it to be taken seriously in international politics.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis opened the event, which was broadcast on Greek state television and published in multiple languages. The Philia Forum marked an important milestone in Greece's foreign policy, demonstrating its commitment to cooperation and stability in the region.

Background and Context

Greece has long played a crucial role as a bridge between Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East. This strategic location has made it an essential player in regional diplomacy, particularly in the context of the Mediterranean Sea. The Philia Forum was seen as an opportunity for Greece to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries and promote cooperation on key issues.

The event also had significant implications for Cyprus, which participated alongside Greece in the forum. As a Cypriot perspective is not explicitly mentioned in Source 1 but does appear in Source 2, it can be inferred that this article will provide more context regarding Cyprus' involvement in future sections or