The event was attended by the Minister of Culture, Gihane Zaki, on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly.
During the event, Zaki pointed out that the trilateral "Egyptian-Greek-Cypriot" cooperation will remain a model to be emulated in establishing the foundations of stability and development in the Middle East region.
Zaki also added that, as Minister of Culture, she cannot help but reflect on the special charm that binds Egyptians and Greeks, as the two peoples not only celebrate the shared historical heritage in museum halls, but also live this heritage in the details of their daily lives.
The event also brought together distinguished guests, diplomats, government officials, staff of the Greek Embassy in Cairo as well as members of the Greek community in Egypt.
Among the attendees were Christos Papadopoulos, a famous Greek writer, poet, and Radio presenter, and celebrated Egyptian actress Elham Shahin.
“This year, we have once again chosen the Greek Scout Center as the venue for our celebration. It has been the historic headquarters of the Greek Scouts in Cairo since 1924, for over a century. "
The members of the Greek Scouts, founded in Cairo in 1913, are a vital part of the Greek community in Cairo and are renowned for their unwavering dedication to their venerable organization,” said Ambassador Papageorgiou during his speech.
“I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Greek Association of Cairo for their warm welcome and enthusiasm in hosting our National Day celebration here, and for their invaluable contribution to its success,” he added.
Papageorgiou said that every year on 25 March, Greece commemorates the start of the Greek Revolution of 1821, which, years later, led to the establishment of the modern Greek state.
“Today, more than two centuries after the establishment of the modern Greek state, Greece stands as a pillar of stability in our region and beyond. It strives to maintain close relations with all countries without exception, based on mutual respect and adherence to international law."
Greece works with all like-minded nations, including Egypt, to support the stability and prosperity of our peoples through various forms of cooperation, both bilateral and multilateral,” Papageorgiou said.
According to Papageorgiou, the interaction between Greeks and Egyptians has continued for millennia, solidifying the deep sense of affinity between our two countries.
In this context, the Greek community in Egypt plays a pivotal role in strengthening relations between our two nations. Although its numbers are not as large as they once were, it serves as a constant reminder of our shared history.
At the same time, Greece and Egypt today boast exemplary bilateral relations, a model for relations between nations, elevated to a strategic level by the leadership of both countries.
Both nations continue their tireless efforts to expand these relations in all possible aspects from politics, trade, economy, education, culture, investment, and energy.
Speaking specifically of culture, Papageorgiou extended his warm welcome to Dr. Gihan Zaki.
“Her presence tonight, representing His Excellency the Prime Minister of Egypt, is a source of pride and pleasure for us all,” he said.
“Your Excellency, just days after assuming your new post, you held discussions with your Greek counterpart in Cairo on ways to strengthen our bilateral relations in the cultural sphere."
This is one of the most distinctive aspects of our broader relations and a matter of great importance to both countries, offering countless opportunities for cooperation,” he continued.
In addition, these bilateral relations are based on an intensive exchange of visits, a prime example being the recent official visit of the Speaker of the Greek Parliament and the highly fruitful discussions with His Excellency the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Counselor Hisham Badawi.
Papageorgiou also said that the strategic relations between Greece and Egypt are the fruit of a shared understanding of the challenges and dangers facing our region, as well as the importance that both countries place on respecting international law in relations between states.
At the same time, they are the product of close ties that have been strengthened over centuries through several factors, including the millennia-long interaction between our two peoples, the holy Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, and the multifaceted presence and influence of Greeks in Egypt, including their work on the Suez Canal, among others.
“I would also like to extend my greetings to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, with its rich history spanning two thousand years in Egypt, and to its inspired spiritual leader, Patriarch Theodore II,” he added.
Papageorgiou also extended his thanks to the Academy of Arts, particularly the Cairo Conservatory and the Higher Institute of Arabic Music, for their participation with a number of their students and musicians, along with the professors, young students, and talented musicians, for adding such a wonderful musical touch to our celebrations.
Finally, Papageorgiou expressed his gratitude to the members of the Embassy for their tireless work in ensuring the success of this concert and other events.
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