Greece received assurances from Egypt on the preservation of the current status of St Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai during the visit of Egypt’s Foreign Minister to Athens on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, who welcomed his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, said he received assurances that the continuity and Greek Orthodox character of the Holy Monastery of St Catherine on Mount Sinai would not be disrupted. As Abdelatty is reported to have told him, it is “characteristic of religious tolerance but also of respect for religious rights that Egypt has always demonstrated.”
Greece’s Gerapetritis pointed out that he understands and appreciates “the sensitivity shown by President El Sisi of Egypt and his efforts” regarding the monastery.
“For Greece and Orthodox Christians everywhere, the monastery is not only the longest-operating place of worship but also a unique symbol of ecumenical culture,” he said. He also noted that the discussion with his Egyptian counterpart was productive regarding the legal status of the monastery, as well as its promotion as a global center of worship.
“Our common intention is for the monastery to continue its undisturbed course, with the status quo that has been established over 15 centuries. I am convinced that Egypt will honor the tradition of respect for all religions and doctrines that it has shaped over time,” he emphasized.
He also stressed that Greece and Egypt remain pillars of stability and have developed an exemplary and multifaceted relationship. Gerapetritis maintained that the agreement on the delimitation of the EEZ remains exemplary five years after its signing.
Greece, Egypt discuss regional tensions
Regarding the crisis in Gaza, he noted that the top priority is to achieve a ceasefire, ensure the massive flow of humanitarian aid to civilians, and secure the unconditional release of hostages. He stressed that Greece, in cooperation with Egypt, will continue to undertake humanitarian initiatives in the region.
On the Syria issue, Greece and Egypt are in favor of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a unified state, with the participation of all Syrians and with universal respect, while on the Libya issue, Gerapetritis informed his Egyptian counterpart of his recent visits to Benghazi and Tripoli.
He noted that Greece and Egypt share a common position on the two major issues concerning Libya, namely irregular migration and the delimitation of maritime zones and stressed that Egypt has been particularly effective in protecting its maritime borders. It was agreed that coordination of irregular migration flows in the area must be strengthened.
Related: The Historic Greek Orthodox St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai
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