Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis welcomed his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, to Athens on Wednesday, August 6, during an official visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and reaffirming cooperation across key regional and religious issues.
A central focus of the meeting was the future of the historic Holy Monastery of St Catherine on Mount Sinai. Gerapetritis said he had received firm assurances from Abdelatty that both the continuity and the Greek Orthodox character of the monastery would remain intact.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister described the site as “characteristic of religious tolerance but also of respect for religious rights that Egypt has always demonstrated.”
Gerapetritis acknowledged the “sensitivity shown by President El Sisi and his efforts,” emphasising the monastery’s global significance:
“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.”
Συνάντηση ΥΠΕΞ Γιώργου Γεραπετρίτη με ΥΠΕΞ Αιγύπτου Badr Abdelatty. pic.twitter.com/jaZeTMZJhp
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) August 6, 2025
Discussions also touched on the legal status of the monastery and proposals for its promotion as a global centre 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,” Gerapetritis stated.
“I am convinced that Egypt will honour the tradition of respect for all religions and doctrines that it has shaped over time.”
The meeting further highlighted the strong and multifaceted relationship between Greece and Egypt, which Gerapetritis described as pillars of stability in the region.
He praised the Greece-Egypt agreement on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as “exemplary,” even five years after its signing.
Δηλώσεις Υπουργού Εξωτερικών, Γιώργου Γεραπετρίτη, μετά το πέρας της συνάντησής του με τον Υπουργό Εξωτερικών της Αιγύπτου, Badr Abdelattyhttps://t.co/Z05aVrnitn pic.twitter.com/gD6IgWDkYl
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) August 6, 2025
On international issues, the ministers aligned their positions on multiple fronts. Regarding Gaza, Gerapetritis reiterated the priority of achieving a ceasefire, enabling humanitarian aid access, and ensuring the unconditional release of hostages.
He confirmed that Greece, in coordination with Egypt, will continue humanitarian efforts in the region.
On Syria, both countries voiced support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inclusive governance with respect for all citizens.
On Libya, Gerapetritis briefed Abdelatty on recent visits to Benghazi and Tripoli.
Both ministers agreed on the need to tackle irregular migration and further coordinate efforts regarding maritime border protection and zone delimitation. Egypt’s role in securing its maritime borders was especially acknowledged.
