ATHENS – Egypt and Greece are set to formalize a “strategic partnership” agreement today, Wednesday, signaling a strengthened commitment to political coordination and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
During a televised meeting with Greek President Constantine Tassoulas in Athens, President Sisi emphasized the historical ties between the two nations, stating, “Our relations are traditional and historical. We have the basis to enhance this relationship… We will have today the chance to sign a joint declaration for a strategic partnership.”
President Sisi is also scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, building on their previous agreement to establish a joint cooperation board aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
A Greek government official indicated that the two leaders are expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to international law as a means of promoting peace and stability in a region facing turbulence, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Migration is also expected to be a key topic of discussion. European governments have long expressed concerns about potential instability in Egypt, a nation of 106 million people where economic challenges have led to increased migration.
While Egypt has largely curtailed irregular migration from its northern coast since 2016, the Greek islands of Crete and Gavdos have witnessed a surge in migrant arrivals, primarily from Afghanistan and Egypt.
In response, the European Union announced a 7.4 billion euro ($8.40 billion USD) funding package last year, alongside an enhanced relationship with Egypt, partly aimed at curbing migration flows from Egypt to Europe. Last month, the EU’s executive arm included Egypt, despite concerns regarding human rights, on a list of “safe countries” to which rejected asylum seekers could be returned.
