Bilateral political and economic cooperation Greece-Egypt, together with their shared vision for regional peace, development and prosperity, should be an example for others to follow, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said in his remarks after the meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Soukry, held in Cairo . Highlighting the close cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Gerapetritis pointed out that this is the third time he is visiting Egypt in the capacity of the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and underlined that the strategic cooperation between the two countries is deeply rooted in strong historical ties.

Regarding the agenda of the talks, the two foreign ministers focused on the crisis in the Middle East, the concern of its spread in the wider region and the possible ways of cooperation to promote peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that they are in continuous communication and close cooperation to coordinate their action.

In his statements, Mr. Gerapetritis expressed Greece’s deep concern about the situation in Gaza and the growing tension in the West Bank, the possibility of the extension of the crisis in Lebanon and the growing insecurity in the Red Sea.

Reflecting the level of bilateral relations and the climate of contacts, the Foreign Minister made it clear that Greece and Egypt have a common understanding of the wider region and are determined to face the multidimensional challenges. In particular, he underlined that Greece, as the leading ship-owning country in the world, and Egypt, which controls the geostrategic link between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, i.e. the Suez Canal, are determined to cooperate and defend the freedom and safety of navigation .

At the same time, he called for immediate action due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the high death toll, noting that the agreement reached to deliver more medicine and humanitarian aid to the citizens of Gaza is a first step of many to be done. These steps, he added, should include providing basic goods for those in need, as well as basic facilities for the local population. Furthermore, he stressed the need to ensure that there would be no displacement and that people would be able to live in their place in peace and prosperity, without fear of attacks and terrorism. In this regard, he suggested that an overall detailed plan should be drawn up based on the decisions of the UN Security Council.

At the same time, Mr. Gerapetritis recalled that Greece was one of the first countries to send humanitarian aid to Gaza through Egypt and underlined the determination of our country to do everything it can to provide more basic goods, food and medicine to those they need.

At the same time, he welcomed Cairo’s initiatives to find solutions to the current critical situation and its proposal for both the flow of humanitarian aid and the day after the war.

In addition, he stated that Greece, as a member state of the EU and a reliable interlocutor of all parties, is ready to offer its good offices to do everything in its power to prevent the escalation of the situation and contribute to the end of this crisis.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to strengthen it, with Mr. Gerapetritis pointing out that the electrical interconnection between Greece and Egypt, which has been approved by the European Commission as a project of mutual interest, signals another important bridge between the two states and nations, alongside further cooperation in areas such as trade and culture.

Finally, G. Gerapetritis assured his Egyptian counterpart that Greece will continue to support Egypt’s relations with the European Union. In fact, he noted that he will have the opportunity next Monday to welcome Sameh Shoukry as foreign minister of one of the oldest EU member states at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, within the framework of the EU-Egypt Association Council.

After the working lunch, Mr. Gerapetritis will meet in Cairo with the secretary general of the Arab League, Abul Gheit.

Earlier, the Foreign Minister was received by the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. During the meeting which was held in a good atmosphere, there were talks and convergence of views on bilateral and regional issues with an emphasis on the Middle East crisis, according to diplomatic diplomatic sources. The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Soukry, was also present at Mr. Gerapetritis’ meeting with the Egyptian President, and the road map for the further promotion of bilateral relations between Greece and Egypt was discussed. The discussion lasted 45 minutes, beyond the scheduled time, as the same sources point out.

It is noted that upon his arrival in Cairo, Mr. Gerapetritis met with representatives of the Greek community in Egypt, at the Greek embassy residence.