Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis pose for an image before their meeting in Athens on Monday 20 May, 2024. Photo courtesy of Ministry of Foreign affairs.
Shoukry emphasized the importance of advancing and developing economic ties, trade, and investment between the two countries.
The two ministers also discussed cooperation in the energy sector, a priority area for both countries.
They agreed on the importance of expediting the implementation of the GREGY electrical interconnection project, allowing the export of renewable energy exports from Egypt to Europe via Greece for the first time.
The project would mark an unprecedented milestone that would enhance Europe's energy security, the ministry explained.
The Egyptian foreign minister invited his Greek counterpart to participate in the Egypt-EU Joint Investment Conference, scheduled to be held in Egypt in late June, to attract European investments to Egypt and promote Egypt as a pivotal hub for European companies.
They also discussed the importance of going forward with an agreement in which Egypt will provide seasonal workers for Greece’s agricultural sector. They also explored opportunities for cooperation in promising fields such as maritime transport and tourism.
The ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation within the existing trilateral mechanism between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus. Shoukry expressed Egypt's eagerness to host the upcoming trilateral summit, emphasizing the importance of developing contractual frameworks and joint projects to achieve tangible accomplishments.
The talks also touched on several priority issues for both countries, including efforts to combat irregular migration across the Mediterranean.
Gaza
The ministers spend substantial time discussing the Palestinian issue, particularly the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid Israeli threats to invade Rafah..
Shoukry reviewed Egypt's efforts to contain the current crisis through intensive communications with both parties and in coordination with relevant international and regional parties, stressing the need to address the Palestinian issue comprehensively.
He asserted the rights of Palestinians to establish a state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions.
Shoukry also emphasized the importance of Greece within the European Union in pushing for a permanent ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He reiterated Egypt's absolute rejection of Israel's control over the Rafah crossing, which has prevented humanitarian aid from reaching civilians in Gaza and stressed that Israel must assume its responsibilities as the occupying power.
Furthermore, he underscored Egypt's rejection of any military operation within the Palestinian city of Rafah and any attempts to resolve the Palestinian issue through the displacement of Palestinians from their land, noting that Israel's current actions in Rafah expose over a million Palestinians to imminent humanitarian dangers and displacement risks.
The ministers also addressed the security threats in the Red Sea linked to the Gaza conflict, their impact on maritime navigation in the region, and the growing concerns that the prolonged conflict could expand to other areas in the Middle East.
They discussed other developments in the region, including Libya, Syria, and Sudan. Shoukry briefed the Greek minister on the results of Egypt's recent communications and initiatives related to these issues, highlighting the efforts to find prospects for restoring stability and peace in the region.
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