Mitsotakis meeting with al -Sisi: « Great Perspective » in relations between Athens – Cairo

Greece -Egypt relations have a great perspective, the prime minister stressed Kyriakos Mitsotakis According to the joint statements made with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al -Sisi after their meeting at Maximus Palace.

« They are relationships with very deep roots in history, but also with very strong branches that bear fruit to the present and are very ready to spread away in the future, » Mitsotakis added.

« A common will to upgrade our close cooperation even more »

According to the prime minister, « with the Declaration on the strategic partnership we have signed, we are in practice confirming the common will to upgrade our close cooperation, while the consultations Which we have decided, the memoranda we signed open important new paths in many fields, from energy and shipping to our education, culture and our bilateral commercial relations, which we have agreed to work intensively so that we can make it even stronger. « 

Mr Mitsotakis then said that « I want to emphasize that with Egypt we had and we will have very close cooperation, on very critical issues in the region that we always approach in accordance with the principles of international law. Five years ago we signed a marine zone demarcation agreement, an exemplary deal, important for the entire Eastern Mediterranean, which is fruitful for both countries. Between Greece and Egypt there are healthy bases to continue together, coordinated to face the common challenges that exist in our wider environment and today Athens and Cairo are on the same bank against these major challenges. « 

The prime minister then referred to the Sinai Monastery of Sinai. As he said, it is « a rare cultural heritage monument that connects the two countries. I would like to thank you in particular for your personal interest – I stress – which you have shown for the protection of the monastery and its Greek Orthodox character. « 

« In the midst of an ever -growing international uncertainty, our countries are pillars of stability with common pursuits in major problems in the region, with the first of course the Cyprus, the fair and sustainable solution of which we support, a solution based on the decisions of the United Nations Security Council. And I want to thank Egypt for her timeless support in this effort. We know that such a development would work for the benefit of not only the Republic of Cyprus, but also of the whole Eastern Mediterranean.

« That is why they cannot – and today still – move unacceptable positions about two states, nor provocative statements, which ultimately the only thing they achieve is to charge the climate of approach and dialogue that is currently attempted to gain some more momentum, » Mr Mitsotakis said, « 

He went on to say that « we also discussed with the friend president about the central role of Egypt in a new truce in Gaza and today the primary need is to stop hostilities and, above all, to restore the flow feasible solution of the two states

« And I want in this context to say that our country welcomes the Arabic Plan of Gaza Reconstruction, in which Egypt plays a very important role and is an excellent initiative that is a realistic basis for the next day, » the Greek prime minister continued.

« And I want to reiterate that our country, which is also the presidency of the Security Council this month, is ready to contribute to every initiative that will attempt to promote and strengthen regional stability.

« Our positions are common in the developments in Syria. There we are in favor of the territorial integrity of a single state with the participation of all Syrians, which will also operate on the basis of international law and sea law. And I think the new leadership should prove in practice that it will move in this direction and I am certainly referring to the protection of the rights of all Syrian citizens, women, of all communities, with emphasis on Christians. Events such as the tragic massacres of Alawite Christians last March, recently, are transmitting negative messages, and the only answer should be that those responsible should soon be held accountable to justice. « 

Kyriakos Mitsotakis also said that « we also talked about the issues that concern us, the issues of Libya, the prevailing situation, the need to revive a political process, to stop foreign destabilization interventions, and to finally lead, so, at some point, so that he can be so painful.

« We discussed issues related to immigration, illegal and legal immigration. I would like to thank President Sisi for the persistence he has shown, so that we can in practice implement the agreement we have signed for a legal recruitment of workforce from Egypt to our homeland.

»There are many opportunities, not only in the primary sector, but in the construction industry, in the processing industry. Both Greece and Egypt are two friendly countries and we want to enable Egyptians, young Egyptians to come to our homeland to work here. And this is also the best answer to those who claim that Greece and Europe’s policy is exhausted only in limiting illegal immigration. « 

What was said:

Al – Sisi meeting earlier with Constantine Tasoula

It is noted that the President of Egypt had a meeting earlier with the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoula. « Our centuries -old relationship, which has passed the centuries -old test, is characterized by the relationships of friendship and cooperation. These good neighborly relationships are ultimately all the essence of the principles and forecasts of the UN Charter, in which for decades and today, humanity has invested a lot of hopes. However, this exemplary relationship, Mr President, still has room for improvement, « the President of the Republic said, addressing Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

For his part, Mr. Al – Sisi thanked his Greek counterpart for the reception and reminded that he was visiting Greece for the fifth time, proof of the two countries’ good relationship.

« I want to allow me to address a warm greeting to the friend Greek people, » the Egyptian president said, and then said that Egypt is in favor of peace and coordination of the two countries aimed at the stability of the region, while noting that there is room for improvement.