The statement follows a court ruling that affirmed the right of the monastery's adherents to use the site.
The presidency described the verdict as "solidifying its position," stressing that the ruling aligns with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's statements during his visit to Athens on 7 May.
Furthermore, the presidency affirmed the importance of maintaining close and fraternal relations with Greece and ensuring these ties are never compromised.
The Egyptian presidency's clarification follows reports that Egyptian authorities plan to evacuate the historic monastery, including its Greek monks, as part of the Egyptian government's Great Transfiguration Project, a claim officials have repeatedly denied.
In contrast, Egyptian officials have affirmed that the project focuses on developing the surrounding city, not the monastery itself.
Constructed in 548 AD in South Sinai, the St. Catherine's Monastery is recognised as one of the world's oldest monasteries and holds profound religious and historical significance.
On Wednesday, an Egyptian court affirmed the right of the monastery's adherents to use the monastery and its surrounding archaeological and religious sites, while stipulating that the state retains ownership of these sites as public property.
The ruling cites the presence of the monastery's followers in a religious capacity, conducting rituals under the leadership of its bishop, appointed under Presidential Decree No. 306 of 1974, with oversight by Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Great Transfiguration Project
Launched in 2020, the Great Transfiguration Project aims to transform the area of St. Catherine into a leading destination for religious, environmental, and therapeutic tourism by enhancing the remote village's infrastructure, utilities, and amenities.
The city is revered as a blessed and sacred place. It is recognised as the only place on earth where God's transfiguration occurred as He delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses.
Furthermore, the city holds significant historical and religious value, serving as a holy site for the three Abrahamic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The Church of the Burning Bush, where God spoke to Moses from a burning bush without being consumed, is a central landmark.
Short link: