ATHENS, May 7 (MENA) - Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the profound relations between Egypt and Greece, saying that Egyptian-Greek cooperation covers wide range of areas including navigation, education as well as cultural and trade exchange.

During a joint press conference held here Wednesday with visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the Greek prime minister also highlighted the importance of building on bilateral agreements, especially in light of growing challenges facing the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Mitsotakis said "the path ahead is open to strengthening bilateral ties in the various fields, thus rendering Egyptian-Greek relations stronger and more influential."

"Our cooperation with Egypt is strategic and fruitful," he said, pointing out to the maritime demarcation agreement, signed by Greece and Egypt five years ago, describing it as an "exemplary model" yielding positive results for both parties and contributing to regional stability.

Regarding historical and cultural ties between the two countries Mitsotakis voiced appreciation for Egypt's efforts in developing St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, saying that the religious landmark will always be an attesting symbol of the spiritual and cultural relationship between the two peoples, emphasizing the monastery's ancient collegial Orthodox nature.

The Greek prime minister also addressed key regional issues, emphasizing that cooperation between Egypt and Greece was based on the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, particularly in light of joint endeavors to reach a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions.

Mitsotakis thanked Egypt for its continued support for Greece, noting that this cooperation would not only serve the interests of both countries but also enhance stability of the entire Eastern Mediterranean.

Egypt's positive role as regards truce in Gaza was discussed with the Egytian president, he said.

"The most important thing now is to stop hostilities and deliver humanitarian aid through mutual engagement and to take clear measures regarding the Palestinian issue," said the Greek premier.

"The only solution we agree on is the two-state solution," Mitsotakis said.

He further said Greece welcomes the Arab League (AL)'s resolution on the Gaza reconstruction plan, in which Egypt plays an important and wise role.

According to Mitsotakis the plan is a strong and fundamental initiative to resolve this problem, emphasizing that Greece will assume the presidency of the UN Security Council this month and is ready to provide any initiative that would help enhance regional stability.

As for the situation in Syria, he said "our stand on the developments in Syria is clear. We stand with a stable, unified state for the benefit of all Syrians working for international law and the law of the sea.

The Syrian leadership must clearly demonstrate that it will move in this direction, said the Greek premier, emphasizing the need to preserve the rights of citizens and all Syrian sects.

Mitsotakis pointed out that the discussions also addressed the situation in Libya and the need to revive the peace process there, in addition to the issue of illegal immigration.

He expressed his thanks to President Sisi for his persistent stand regarding the agreement signed with Greece on attracting Egyptian workers to Greece in the various fields.

Mitsotakis said Greece wants young Egyptians to come to Greece for work as per the agreement signed between the two countries, adding that this is the best answer to those who claim that Greek and European politics only address the issue of immigration, but that is not our approach.

He emphasized the need for a collective decision from the European Union (EU), through close cooperation among all parties, regarding regulating the entry of workers into European countries.(MORE)

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