Leaders of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece to boost cooperation on combatting terrorism 'scourge'

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, left, escorted by Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades, right, as they review an honor guard at the presidential palace before a meeting in capital Nicosia, Cyprus Wednesday, April, 29, 2015. Anastasiades and Tsipras are joined by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi for a summit meeting on the east Mediterranean island to discuss ways of tighter economic and security cooperation between the three countries. The leaders will also discuss unfolding developments in neighboring countries including Yemen, Libya, Syria and Iraq. The meeting follows an initial summit that took place last November in Cairo, Egypt. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, front, speaks with Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades at the presidential palace before a meeting in capital Nicosia, Cyprus Wednesday, April, 29, 2015. Anastasiades and Tsipras are joined by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi for a summit meeting on the east Mediterranean island to discuss ways of tighter economic and security cooperation between the three countries. The leaders will also discuss unfolding developments in neighboring countries including Yemen, Libya, Syria and Iraq. The meeting follows an initial summit that took place last November in Cairo, Egypt. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, left, and Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades shake hands at the presidential palace before a meeting in capital Nicosia, Cyprus Wednesday, April, 29, 2015. Anastasiades and Tsipras are joined by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi for a summit meeting on the east Mediterranean island to discuss ways of tighter economic and security cooperation between the three countries. The leaders will also discuss unfolding developments in neighboring countries including Yemen, Libya, Syria and Iraq. The meeting follows an initial summit that took place last November in Cairo, Egypt. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

The leaders of Cyprus, Egypt and Greece have agreed to step up cooperation on combatting terrorism amid fears over worsening security conditions in neighboring countries including Libya.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said this would involve boosting defense and security ties and "discussing relevant information" to counter terrorist threats.

The three leaders made the pledge in a joint declaration during a summit in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia Wednesday.

They expressed "grave concern" over a growing terrorist threat in Libya that may destabilize neighboring countries, adding that they support putting in place a counter-terrorism strategy that would run in tandem with the ongoing political process.

The leaders also expressed strong support for the legitimate government of Yemen.