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Katerina Sakellaropoulou described Greek-Egyptian relations as a model of strategic cooperation and an example to follow in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region, which is being tested by a number of Turkish challenges. Presidential palace.
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The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, but not by the leader of the official opposition Alexis Tsipras, who had said he would not attend due to the situation in the country with the coronavirus.
Ms. Sakellaropoulou stressed that the presence of Mr. Al Sisi in Greece, in the middle of a special period, during which we are faced with multiple challenges, at the health and geopolitical level, is particularly important, as, on the one hand, it shows the highest level and special weight of relations between Greece and Egypt. Relationships characterized by cooperation, mutual respect, trust, and appreciation. On the other hand, it is an indisputable testimony of the mutual will for a greater development of our cooperation in many fields, political, defense, economic, energy.
He also pointed out that “the ties of friendship between Greece and Egypt are not solely due to the current understanding of our countries on the need to respect the Principles of International Law, as the only framework for peace and stability in our region.”
The historical depth of Greek-Egyptian relations
“What gives special importance to our relationships is their historical depth, the fact that they are based on the interaction of centuries, from the second millennium BC, the Hellenistic and classical times to the time of the Byzantine Empire,” added the president .
Addressing the President of Egypt, he pointed out the crucial role his country plays in the security and stability of the region in general and recalled that “countries and nations prosper only in conditions of peace, security, stability and development, both at the level national and international “. while adding that “the strategic cooperation of our two countries serves and achieves this objective, in the bilateral, multilateral and international context.”
As the President said, “Egypt, in addition to its substantial contribution to regional dispute settlement, plays an important role as a leader in the Arab world and beyond, which we emphasize at every opportunity within international organizations but and within the European Union “.
“The correct interpretation of the teachings of all religions promotes tolerance in the views of others”
Referring to the tragic events of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, under the guise of religion, he stressed that religious values have nothing to do with acts of extremism, nor can they be used as a pretext for a clash of religions or cultures. “On the contrary, the correct interpretation of the teachings of all religions promotes tolerance in the eyes of the other, peaceful coexistence and the construction of bridges of understanding, rejecting violence and fanaticism,” said the President of the Republic.
In fact, he pointed out that a typical example of such fluid and creative coexistence is the large and historic Greek community in Egypt, which, while keeping its Greek identity alive, at the same time loves Egypt and fights for its progress and prosperity. “The same is the case with the significant number of Egyptians who, having their homeland in their hearts, now live and work here. We thank them for their contribution to the development of Greece ”and he concluded by saying that“ These communities, in our countries, are an important bridge of friendship and cooperation that deserves to be protected. “Your clubs are proof of our longstanding friendship and facilitate the strengthening of our relationships in all areas.”
“Egypt and Greece are among the oldest and most authentic civilizations”
For his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in his rebuttal, after thanking the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou for the hospitality and warm welcome, highlighted:
“Egypt and Greece are among the oldest, oldest and most authentic civilizations that have had a prominent role and an undeniable influence in the progress of human civilization, in the various fields of science, the arts and literature.”
He also pointed out that the common values, mutual interests, and close cultural ties between Egypt and Greece make the two friendly countries an important bridge for meeting, dialogue and cooperation between the Arab and Islamic worlds, on the one hand, and the European continent, on the other. , on the other hand, and put on our shoulders the common responsibility of spreading the values of peace, tolerance, rejection of violence and mutual respect between the peoples and cultures of the southern and northern Mediterranean.
Al-Sisi: “The goal is to achieve the ambitions of the peoples of the two countries”
As he stated, “My visit to your country, which I love, occurred at a time when our bilateral relations are experiencing a remarkable flourishing in all aspects of cooperation, which confirms the strategic nature of these relations, with the objective of achieving the ambitions of the peoples of the two countries. “
Addressing the President of the Republic, he noted that his visit “also represents an important opportunity to continue consultations and exchange views with His Excellency and the Prime Minister, not just ways to strengthen cooperation between our two countries at all levels.” . , but also to coordinate positions on regional issues that have a direct impact on our national security. “The similarity of views that prevailed in our conversations reflects a firm belief in the need to continue solidarity to achieve our common goals.”
What al-Sisi said about the tension between the Islamic and European world
He went on to say that their meeting today is of particular importance to them. challenging practices in the Eastern Mediterranean region and her destabilization effort in the region in general in violation of the norms of international law and the principles of good neighborliness.
We are also facing a situation of tension between us Islamic and European world as a result of sketches insulting sacred religious symbols and beliefs and consequent terrorist crimes. These events confirm the responsibility of Egypt and Greece to continue to present a positive model for maintaining security and stability in the region. “We are called to correct misunderstandings, to promote the voice of reason and wisdom to establish brotherhood, equality, acceptance of others and the rejection of racism, extremism and hatred,” al-Sisi said.
Closing his objection, the Egyptian president addressed invitation to Ms Sakellaropoulou to visit Egypt in the near future to continue their efforts to deepen the aspects of cooperation between the two countries, and wished the Greek people prosperity.
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