Greek PM: “Greece and Egypt are partners with mutual export relations and common strategic goals”

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also met with visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

During their joint news conference, Mitsotakis stated that Greece and Egypt will welcome “a more decisive role of the United States in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean” under President-elect Joe Biden.

“President Biden will help restore balance and security in our region. Greece has every reason to welcome the return of the United States to its central role as a leading player in NATO.”

He also noted that the EEZ between the two countries angered Turkey. However, the  accord showed that countries which respect international law and good neighbourly relations can achieve results to the benefit of their people.

These are “emblematic actions that generate conquests of peace and cooperation,” Mitsotakis stressed, adding that “contrary to the stance of neighbouring Turkey, the Mediterranean can become a sea that unites instead of dividing peoples.”

They also discussed the EastMed pipeline, migration, and Egypt’s participation in the ceasefire agreement in Libya. “It remains to be implemented, with the first provision being the withdrawal of any foreign power. Greece’s faith in the stabilising role of your country extends to the normalisation of relations between the Arab world and Israel,” the Greek PM said.

“I also did not fail to express …the appreciation we all feel for Egypt’s important role as a beacon of moderate, of true Islam. Especially in times, like the present, when certain forces are attempting to don a religious mantle,” he added.

On his part, the Egyptian President stated: “We agreed to continue our solidarity, alongside all friendly countries, in order to confront anyone who threatens regional stability and security, and in a way that prevents any party from imposing its hostile positions.”

“We also agreed to strengthen each other in terms of defence relations,” he added.

Greek Foreign Minister welcomes Egyptian President