Egypt Deepens Ties With Greece, Cyprus Amid Shifting Regional Alliances

Despite recent overtures between Ankara and Cairo, Egypt is not abandoning its strategic partnerships with Greece and Cyprus, according to political observer Michalis Ignatiou writing for Hellas Journal. Contrary to speculation that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi might be distancing himself from Athens and Nicosia to align with a Turkish-led regional bloc, Ignatiou asserts that Cairo is simultaneously developing relations with Greece and Cyprus while restoring ties with Ankara.

Energy cooperation is highlighted as a key element, with Cyprus agreeing to supply natural gas to Egypt, fostering interdependence. Military collaboration remains robust, evidenced by the ongoing MEDUSA-15 exercises in September, involving Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and Italy. These drills encompass naval, air force, air defense, intelligence, and special forces, underscoring regional security coordination.

Leaders from Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus reaffirmed their commitment to close consultations on Eastern Mediterranean security and stability at a summit in El Alamein on September 8. In this evolving landscape, Israel's role is becoming increasingly prominent. Greece and Cyprus are already engaged in joint military programs with Jerusalem, including a trilateral military cooperation plan signed in early 2026 and separate bilateral agreements with the Israel Defense Forces.

Ignatiou suggests that the changing dynamics in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean are driving Greece and Cyprus toward closer engagement with Israel, while Egypt maintains its interest in relations with Athens and Nicosia. The observer notes that Turkey has thus far failed to fracture the Greek-Cypriot-Egyptian alliance. He also posits that a further deterioration of Israeli-Turkish relations could elevate the significance of the Turkish military presence in Northern Cyprus.

In summary, the Greek-Cypriot-Egyptian bloc appears to be strengthening, not weakening. Cairo is maintaining contact with Ankara while deepening its cooperation with Athens and Nicosia. The growing military ties between Greece and Cyprus with Israel are forming a new security architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean, exemplified by Egypt's practical military engagement with Greece in large-scale exercises.