Sisi: Egypt, Greece considered a bridge to convergence, dialogue, cooperation between Arabs, Europeans

CAIRO – 12 November 2020: At an official dinner in Athens with President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi praised the deeply-rooted cultural legacy between Egypt and Greece, which are considered among the oldest and the most ancient and genuine civilizations.

“The two countries have played a prominent role and an undeniable influence on the progress of human civilization in various fields of science, arts and literature,” President Sisi said

“The commonalities, mutual interests and close cultural ties between Egypt and Greece have made the two friendly countries secure an important bridge to convergence, dialogue and cooperation between the Arab and Muslim worlds, on the one hand, and Europe, on the other hand. This has also imposed on us a shared responsibility to spread the values of peace, tolerance and mutual respect between peoples and cultures of the southern and northern Mediterranean,” President Sisi continued.

president Sisi added that he and Mrs. Sakellaropoulou tackled ways of enhancing the bilateral relations, besides the international and regional issues that have direct impact on the security of the both countries.

“Our meeting today becomes even more important amid the provocative practices and attempts to disrupt regional stability the Eastern Mediterranean is witnessing, in violation of the rules of international law and the principles of good-neighbourliness. This is in addition to the current state of tension and strain on relations between the Muslim and European worlds as a result of the cartoons insulting sacred religious symbols and beliefs and the subsequent terrorist crimes. This confirms the responsibility entrusted to Egypt and Greece to continue setting a positive example in maintaining security and stability in the region, correcting misconceptions and listening to the voices of reason and wisdom to promote fraternity, equality and acceptance of the other and reject racism, extremism and hatred,” the President said.

At the end of his speech President Sisi invited Sakellaropoulou to visit Egypt in the near future to continue efforts of deepening cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

President Sisi paid Athens a two-day visit on Wednesday. He had begun his visit with laying wreath on the Unknown Soldier Tomb before holding a meeting with Greek counterpart.