Egyptian ambassador: Expanding a strategic Greek-Egyptian relationship to connect Alexandria with Piraeus

The content of the strategic relations between Greece and Egypt and the possibilities of their further deepening with an emphasis on culture and shipping, and their reflection on security stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region, is highlighted by the Egyptian ambassador in Athens, Omar Amer Youssef, in an interview to Athens-Macedonian Press Agency (AMNA).

Asked to comment on what he meant by ‘strategic relationship’, the ambassador replied that the two countries have gone beyond the usual bilateral relations and cooperate in depth in different fields.

He further said that regular consultations between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are crucial for fostering diplomatic ties, addressing shared challenges, and promoting regional stability. These interactions provide a platform for political, economic, and strategic collaboration, strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

Bilateral relations, the ambassador noted, provide a platform for deeper cooperation in customary areas and extend to new ones, such as energy, investment, data transfer, IT, agriculture, industry, and tourism.

The ambassador of Egypt described the relationship between Egypt and Greece as a robust and comprehensive strategic partnership, solidified by recent diplomatic and economic developments. In particular, the recent visit of Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to Cairo and the meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry marked a pivotal moment, signifying the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation and deepen their ties further, the diplomat noted.

One key aspect of this burgeoning relationship is the ambitious electrical interconnection project, which the European Union has recently endorsed for inclusion under projects of mutual interest (PMI). This groundbreaking project aims to connect Egypt with Europe through Greece, fostering a stronger energy alliance; this energy collaboration, the ambassador noted, promises mutual benefits, establishing a resilient energy network that transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens the strategic partnership between Cairo and Athens.

Furthermore, he added that the Seasonal Workers Agreement, signed in Cairo in 2022, stands as another testament to the growing ties between Egypt and Greece. This agreement addresses the practical aspect of labour mobility and signifies the mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. Collaboration promotes economic development, combats illegal migrations and creates a foundation for sustained cooperation.

The initiative to link ports in both countries is another promising field of cooperation, as it is a vital component of the comprehensive strategic relationship. The Egyptian diplomat noted that this connection does not simply facilitate trade and commerce, but it enhances transport efficiency, ensuring a seamless flow of goods between Egypt and Greece. He added that shared ports, specifically Alexandria and Piraeus, signify a commitment to fostering economic growth and promoting regional stability through strengthening logistical networks.

Moreover, the increased focus on investments further cements the depth of this historical relationship between Greece and Egypt, the ambassador said, stressing that both countries recognise the potential for economic growth through joint ventures and investments.

The ambassador noted that this commitment to shared prosperity solidifies the strategic nature of the two countries’ collaboration, paving the way for sustainable development and increased economic interdependence.

In addition to these successful and critical cooperation projects, the Egyptian ambassador pointed out opportunities for further development of relations in culture, tourism, shipping, and the connection of the ports of the two countries.

Ambassador Omar Amer Youssef made a particular reference to the prospects of deepening cooperation in the field of culture, specifically, revealing that this year the two countries are considering launching a Greek-Egypt cultural tourism year, to bring the two peoples and cultures closer together. As he pointed out, “We have the Pyramids, you have the Acropolis. How will we connect the Acropolis with the Pyramids?”.

Finally, the Egyptian ambassador underlined that the projects implemented jointly by the two countries reflect how deep their cooperation is, proving in practice that their ties are not simply historical but that there is a strategic relationship, shaping a future of shared prosperity and mutual benefit.

Egyptian ambassador: Expanding a strategic Greek-Egyptian relationship to connect Alexandria with Piraeus https://t.co/LkSDQUCTSP pic.twitter.com/T9b1SfIIDu

— Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) February 5, 2024