Egypt, Greece FMs discuss regional, international issues

CAIRO, 18 June 2020: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday discussed at a meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias means of boosting bilateral ties in different fields, as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

At the beginning of the meeting, Shoukry praised the significant progress in ties between Cairo and Athens at all levels, saying that Egypt looks forward to further strengthening its distinguished bonds with Greek, Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahemd Hafez said.

Shoukry told Dendias that Egypt pays great attention to continuing coordination with Greece on all issues of mutual concern in order to achieve the interests of the two countries' peoples and support regional security and safety, the spokesman added.

Concerning the economic ties, Shoukry called on Greek companies working in the country to increase their investments, especially in light of the promising opportunities available in different fields, the spokesman noted.

The pair also probed cooperation in the areas of trade and tourism, the spokesman noted.

Meanwhile, the two top diplomats touched on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, as they underlined the importance of joining efforts of the international community to face this pandemic and mitigate its health, economic and social repercussions.

With regard to regional issues, the two ministers exchanged views on the latest developments in the region, notably the Libyan crisis, where they renewed their support of the political initiative (Cairo Declaration) launched by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the Libyan conflict.

Shoukry and Dendias tackled the recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean region against the backdrop of the Turkish provocations, calling on all parties to respect and abide by rules and principles of International Law, the spokesman said.

Regarding the Palestinian cause, Shoukry asserted the necessity of resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through adopting the two-state solution, warning against any unilateral steps that could threaten regional security and stability.

The top Egyptian diplomat posted his Greek counterpart on the deadlock in negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam over Addis Ababa's intransigence, despite the flexibility Egypt has shown to reach a fair and balanced deal that preserves the three parties' interests.

On his part, the Greek foreign minister said that his country highly values its historical ties with Egypt and is keen on fostering bilateral cooperation in different domains.
Dendias noted that Greece gives great importance to promoting coordination with Egypt, for being a key pillar of regional security and stability.

The Greeek minister pointed out that his country welcomes the Cairo Declaration to resolve the Libyan crisis and rejects foreign interference in the Libyan arena.