Terrorism, gas constitute main themes of Egyptian, Greek chiefs of state meeting

CAIRO – 11 November 2020: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a joint press conference Wednesday after a meeting in Athens.

The Greek prime minister stated Egypt and Greece look forward to a firm U.S. intervention Eastern the Mediterranean under Biden Administration. He added that Egypt is a major ally of European states and stability factor for the countries of the region.

Mitsotakis asserted that the tripartite cooperation among Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus is aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. He pointed out that the maritime demarcation agreement aligns with the values of good neighboring and mutual respect. The Greek prime minister highlighted that prior to the demarcation agreement, both states had signed an agreement on peace and cooperation.

Mitsotakis stated that the trade exchange between Egypt and Greece is worth €2 billion, and that has not been influenced by the COVID-19 outbreak.

"We are eager to reinforce ties with the Arab countries and Israel capitalizing on the 1979 Peace Treaty," the Greek prime minister said stipulating that Egypt and Greece have joint strategic goals.

The Greek chief of state praised Egypt's role in ending illegal migration waves that used to take off from Africa to Europe, and in brokering peace processes in Libya.

"We appreciate the role played by Egypt to guard moderate and real Islam in light of the circumstances the world is going through as there is a specific power that is trying to use the situation for political purposes," Mitsotakis said.  

The Egyptian president extended condolences to Greek people on the victims of the recent earthquake that shook the country.

The president stated that the demarcation agreement designates economic zones in accordance with international laws and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Sisi added that both states congrued upon the necessity to repel any violations Eastern the Mediterranean as well as any threats to regional security.

The president underlined that the foundation of East Med Gas Organization aims for enlarging the interests of member states' peoples, benefiting from natural resources, preserving each state's right to carry out exploration works in its economic zone, and boosting cooperation with international partners.

Sisi revealed that the talks covered the fair cause of Cyprus in alignment with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Both chiefs of state also conferred over the impact of Libya's status on neighboring states stressing the urge for a comprehensive solution in order to achieve stability in that war-torn country.

The president showcased that radical solutions to the crisis will be accomplished when abiding by the UN Security Council resolutions, outcomes of Berlin Conference, and Cairo Declaration. Those focus on Libya's territorial integrity, dismantling of militias, reunification of the Libyan Armed Forces, and combating foreign intervention embodied in transporting foreign mercenaries into the country and arms to militias.

"Terrorism is a global phenomenon that should not be attributed to a specific religion, civilization or geographical area," president Sisi asserted. He called for putting a halt to the activities of states supporting terrorism, and sanctioning regimes violating UN Security Council resolutions. Violations include training, funding, and arming terror groups as well as harboring terrorists and media outlets inciting terrorism, Sisi showcased.

The president underlined the necessity of promoting the values of justice and tolerance along with respect for beliefs and sacred icons.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received on Wednesday the highest Medal of Honor in Greece by counterpart Katerina Sakellaropoulou. In return, he presented her with Order of the Nile, the top in Egypt.

"Egypt supports Greece against any provocative attempts Eastern the Mediterranean or (acts threatening) its maritime borders in alignment with international law," Sisi told Sakellaropoulou Wednesday in a visit to Athens.

The president had begun his visit with laying wreath on the Unknown Soldier Tomb before holding a meeting with Greek counterpart.

President Sisi said that Egyptian-Greek relations have been remarkably advancing pointing out to the recent ratification of the maritime demarcation agreement between both states in the Mediterranean. He added that the move reflects the amount of understanding between the two countries and the strength of bilateral ties.

The president stressed that terrorism and extremism are not linked to any religion saying those are forms of intellectual deviation that causes suffering in the whole world. "It's important (that terror acts) do not become a reason for insulting religions and faithful individuals," President Sisi stipulated.

Spokesperson of the Egyptian Presidency Ambassador Bassam Rady indicated in a statement that the visit takes place in light of continuous consultation on the bilateral level and on the trilateral level with Cyprus.

The visit's schedule includes meetings with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Parliament Speaker Konstantinos Tasoulas, and Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change Kostis Hatzidakis.

The meetings are set to tackle mutual cooperation, particularly in the sectors of energy, tourism and trade as well as investment opportunities in Egypt.

President Sisi will also exchange views with Greek officials on regional and international affairs of joint concern, mainly developments in the Middle East and combating terrorism and extremism.