Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the issue concerning the Monastery of Sinai appears to be moving toward resolution, though he did not specify whether this relates to its property status or ecclesiastical character.
Responding to a journalist’s question during the press conference at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, Mitsotakis noted that there seems to be a de-escalation of the recent tension surrounding the situation at the Monastery of Sinai.
He added that procedures for the succession of Archbishop Damianos are already underway, following the Archbishop’s own initiative.
Regarding relations with Egypt, the Greek Prime Minister stressed that there is a strategic partnership and referred to an upcoming agreement that is “very close” and will be signed by the new Archbishop of Sinai.
Mitsotakis also underlined that the Greek Orthodox character of the Monastery cannot be altered.
Statement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
“The ecclesiastical issue is moving toward resolution with the help of the Greek government. There appears to be de-escalation, and I understand that, with the Archbishop’s consent, succession procedures are underway. With Egypt we have a strategic relationship. We are working systematically, and I do not believe we are far from signing an agreement, which will also be signed by the new Archbishop. The Greek Orthodox character cannot be changed.”
Mitsotakis on Greece’s position in the war in Ukraine: ‘We are Europe – This stance serves our own interests’
The Prime Minister was also asked to respond to criticism of Greece’s stance on the war in Ukraine.
He emphasized that it is hard to understand how national security could be undermined in a country that has significantly strengthened its armed forces, while at the same time ceasing to be considered a pariah state.
Mitsotakis stressed that Greece had an additional reason to maintain its current stance on Ukraine, as it still carries the trauma of Cyprus.
“Our country was once isolated from Europe for economic reasons. It will not be isolated again for geopolitical ones. We are not just with Europe. We are Europe,” he said, underscoring that this position ultimately serves Greece’s core national interests.
