“Egypt and Greece, with their exemplary cooperation, are showing the global community, and in particular our region, that principles, values and international law don't run counter to the theory that interests alone prevail in foreign relations. Because they prove that international law, peace and development are at the heart of peoples' interest.” With these words, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Constantine Tassoulas, welcomed the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with whom he met in the framework of his two-day official visit in our country.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Tassoulas referred to the unprecedented times that humanity and our region in particular are going through. He underlined the fact that the two countries continue to foster a relationship of friendship and cooperation and made special mention of the Agreement between the two countries, that was ratified by the Hellenic Parliament on the 27th of August, on the delimitation of maritime zones between Egypt and Greece. “Greece and Egypt refer to the Charter of the United Nations, respect the principles of good faith and good neighbourly relations, seek stability in the wider region, and do their part to ensure that through this Agreement they can expand their prospects for development, safeguarding their sovereignty” he added.
During their exchange, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt also referred to the relationship between the two countries and how actions and practices such as the aforementioned Agreement confirm its importance. “We will always thank you for conveying the voice of Egypt to the European parliaments and we wish to continue our cooperation through meetings between representatives of our two parliaments” Mr. El-Sisi underlined. He assured the President of the Hellenic Parliament that Egypt will always stand by Greece as a long-time and powerful friend.
The meeting was also attended by the 1st Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Konstantinos Gioulekas, the Secretary General of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Georgios Mylonakis, and the Diplomatic Advisor of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Constantine Economides, the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Mr. Sameh Hassan Shoukry and the Ambassador of Egypt in Athens, Mr. Ismail Khairat.