“ Athens and Cairo are on the same shore with respect to the major challenges in our region. Greece and Egypt are pillars of stability with common aspirations as regards the major problems of the region,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised after the end of a meeting with visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the conclusion of the 1st Greece-Egypt High-level Cooperation Council.
Mitsotakis pointed out that the signing of a Declaration of Strategic Partnership between Greece and Egypt confirms a common will to further upgrade close cooperation and noted that “ the regular consultations that were agreed upon and the memorandums of cooperation that were signed open important new paths, from shipping and the economy to education, culture and bilateral trade, making our relations stronger.”
The prime minister described the agreement on the delimitation of maritime zones between the two countries as “ exemplary and important for the entire Eastern Mediterranean,” and said it has borne fruit for both countries. Mitsotakis also remarked on and thanked the Egyptian President for showing a personal interest in protecting the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai and its Greek Orthodox character.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, the Greek premier pointed out that the two countries are in favour of a just and sustainable solution based on the resolutions of the UN Security Council and thanked the Egyptian President for the long-standing support offered by Cairo. “ Unacceptable positions on two states cannot be circulated, nor can provocative statements be made that undermine the climate of rapprochement and dialogue that we want to gain more momentum,” Mitsotakis said, clarifying that “ no illegal fait accompli will have future prospects.”
Regarding the Middle East, Mitsotakis highlighted the central role played by Cairo in achieving a new ceasefire in Gaza with the aim of ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and underlined Egypt’s significant contribution to the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza, which, he said, constitutes a realistic basis for discussion on the future. “Our country is ready to contribute to any initiative that will attempt to promote and strengthen regional stability,” the prime minister noted, reiterating that Greece and Egypt are in favour of the territorial integrity and a unified state in Syria, with respect for all religions. He also insisted that events such as the recent massacres of Christians and Druze send out worrying messages.
Finally, the Greek premier referred to bilateral cooperation in migration and energy, in particular the GREGY electricity interconnection project, but also to initiatives such as the transport and storage of carbon dioxide, as well as cooperation in the context of exploration for natural gas south of Crete. He also recalled that, within the framework of the Greek presidency of the UN Security Council, Greece will chair a special meeting on maritime security and freedom of navigation on May 20.
El-Sisi: Strategic partnership marks a new step in Cairo-Athens relations
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in his joint statements with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, emphasised that “ we are committed to establishing this strategic partnership with Greece, founded on the historical ties between our two peoples, mutual respect, and cooperation across all sectors.”
The signing of the strategic partnership, he emphasised, further strengthens the relationship between Egypt and Greece, signifying a significant step forward. “ The Supreme Council is a qualitative milestone in the course of the two countries’ relations to reach where we want to be,” El Sisi noted, stressing the importance he attaches to the Greece-Egypt electrical interconnection. “ It is not only a bilateral issue; it is a strategic-regional issue, as the connection will reach Europe through Greece,” he stressed.
“ We are keen to cooperate with Greece on natural gas and on the issue of Egyptian workers-not only in agriculture, but in all sectors where Greece wants workers from Egypt to come and offer their help,” he noted.
El-Sisi, reflecting on Greece’s support for Egypt in 2011, stated: Greece demonstrated understanding and endeavoured, through the European Union, to communicate Egypt’s perspective-and succeeded in this role.” It was a difficult period for Egypt, and we needed friends. We will never forget this, and it shows how deep the relations between the two countries are.”
He also referred to the value of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai and expressed his personal interest in it.
Source: ANA-MPA
