Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis on Tuesday met with the Ambassador of Egypt in Greece, Omar Amer Youssef.

According to an announcement, Kaklamanis underlined that "Egypt is a trusted partner for the European Union and Greece, playing a significant geostrategic role in the Mediterranean, the Near East, and Africa".

He continued, "I would like to emphasise the strong ties and the upgraded relations we have with Egypt through political and economic initiatives. It is of utmost importance to maintain this strong partnership and cooperation on migration issues, given the current geopolitical developments in our broader region." 

The Parliament president also expressed his concern about the status of the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai and the respect owed to the oldest Christian monastery, referring to a letter he sent to his Egyptian counterpart on June 10.

In response, the Egyptian Ambassador assured Kaklamanis that the Monastery of Saint Catherine will continue to operate under its current status, as was also confirmed by the Egyptian Foreign Minister to his Greek counterpart. He further expressed his confidence that the life of the monks and the religious character of the monastery as a place of worship will remain undisturbed, and that its protection will be fully maintained.

He then expressed a desire to strengthen relations between the two Parliaments, which can be achieved by activating the respective friendship groups.

The Ambassador conveyed an invitation from the President of the Egyptian Parliament for an official visit to Cairo, which Kaklamanis accepted. The details of this visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels.