Greek Delegation Visits Cairo for St. Catherine's Monastery Talks

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, accompanied by officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Culture, arrived in Cairo today for critical discussions with Egyptian counterparts.

The focus of the talks is to clarify the future status of the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, a site of immense cultural and religious significance for Greece and the Orthodox Christian world.

Objectives of the Visit

The Greek government aims to initiate negotiations based on prior understandings, seeking an out-of-court settlement. The goal is to secure an agreement that reflects Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s commitment to maintaining the monastery’s current ownership status. This pledge ensures that the sacred site, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, remains under its traditional stewardship.

Proposals and Opposition Response

Meanwhile, the Greek opposition has criticised the government’s handling of the issue. Syriza MP Sokratis Famellos has sent a letter to Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, urging the immediate formation of a cross-party parliamentary delegation to visit the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine in Sinai. In a related development, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis is also scheduled to travel to Egypt on Friday to address the matter.

The talks in Cairo mark a pivotal moment in ensuring the protection and continuity of this UNESCO World Heritage site, revered for its spiritual and historical legacy.