Mubarak emphasized the strong ties with the monastery’s administration and their mutual desire to continue cooperation for the public interest and to enhance historical and cultural relations.

According to the statement, Mubarak said he had received a letter of thanks and appreciation from the monastery’s bishop, who is currently abroad for medical reasons. The bishop expressed his intention to return to Egypt in November to resume cooperation and meet with the governor.

The statement noted that regular communications and meetings have been held between the governor, monastery officials, and the Greek ambassador, underscoring their shared commitment to preserving the cultural and religious heritage.

The governor reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the monastery and all archaeological and religious landmarks in the region, balancing development with preserving human, civilizational, and cultural heritage.

The statement comes hours after claims circulated on social media that the monastery would be evacuated.

The city is home to the Great Transfiguration Project, launched in 2020 to transform it into a leading destination for religious, environmental, and therapeutic tourism by enhancing the remote village's infrastructure, utilities, and amenities.

Saint Catherine City is revered as a blessed and sacred area, recognized as the only place on earth where the transfiguration of Almighty Allah took place as He delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses, according to the Old Testament.

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 Allah spoke to Moses from a burning bush without being consumed, is a central landmark.

Numerous verses in the Holy Quran, the Bible, and the Torah attest to its sanctity. Additionally, it is one of the three holiest locations in the world where divine revelations were given: Saudi Arabia’s Makkah, Palestine’s Al-Quds (Jerusalem), and Egypt’s Saint Catherine.

The city is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was martyred in the early 4th century AD. Her incorrupt body was discovered by monks near Mount Saint Catherine in the 9th century AD, where, according to legend, angels had placed it after her martyrdom.