Mitsotakis and al- Sisi stress the importance of the Greece-Egypt EEZ demarcation agreement

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said that demarcation agreement between Greece and Egypt was a guide on how other issues in the Eastern Mediterranean can be resolved. The Greek Premier was speaking at beginning of his bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, which took place in Nicosia today in the framework of the 8th Tripartite Summit between Cyprus, Egypt and Greece.

Mitsotakis stressed the importance of the signing of the agreement for which both leaders have worked. He also said the agreement was an important first step in further deepening relations between the two countries, noting that the it has been ratified by the parliaments of both countries.

"This is how the neighboring states resolve their differences, through dialogue and with mutual concessions whenever necessary, in order to reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial, and I want to believe that it is a guiding agreement on how other issues can be resolved in the Eastern Mediterranean," he said.

The President of Egypt, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his joy for his new meeting with Mitsotakis and stressed the willingness and intention of Egypt for further development of relations between the two countries, either bilaterally or trilaterally. He added that the convening of the 8th Tripartite Summit reflects the desire of both sides.

He also said that current relations are an extension of the historical relations between Egypt and Greece. He agreed with the Greek Prime Minister that the cooperation between the two countries should be given a further impetus for the development of relations in various sectors.

Al-Sisi also agreed with the Greek Prime Minister that the peaceful demarcation of maritime zones was in fact a reflection of mutual understanding and the respect for the provisions and institutions of international law for the benefit of all neighboring countries. He also said that the ratification by the parliaments of this agreement, reflected the success of the agreement itself, but also the expectations from this agreement.

"We hope that all issues will be addressed within the framework of international law and the institutions of international law” said Al-Sisi. He stressed the importance of cooperation aiming to stability, growth and progress. He added that Egypt, Cyprus and Greece have always had a spirit of cooperation, and their relations are historical and timeless.

“But now we look forward to more, further development of these relationships. And always together," said the Egyptian President.

According to a press release issued by the Greek Prime Minister`s press office, Mitsotakis also briefed the Egyptian President on the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the escalating Turkish provocations and there was a consensus on Turkey`s growing aggression and the need for the country to respect international law.

It was also confirmed the common understanding regarding the achievement of a political solution in Libya, based on the Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the Berlin Process.