The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos visited today, Tuesday 22 November, Cairo, where he met with his Egyptian counterpart General Mohamed Zaki and signed an agreement between the Hellenic Republic and the Arab Republic of Egypt, regarding Cooperation in the fields of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Greece Mr. Nikolaos Dendias, and of Egypt Mr. Sameh Shoukry. It was also attended by the Alternate Foreign Minister Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, the Chief/HNDGS General Konstantinos Floros and his Egyptian counterpart Mr. Osama Askar.

In his address, at the signing ceremony, Minister Mr. Panagiotopoulos underlined that with this Agreement, which is a new milestone to the strategic relation between the two countries, are determined the limits of the jurisdiction and the AORs for S&R between Greece and Egypt, which coincide with the Athens and Cairo FIRs respectively, fully implementing and absolutely respecting International Law.

The Minister of National Defence emphasized the exceptional level of bilateral defence cooperation and the two countries’ common will to further expand it.

He also underlined the importance of interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries, and congratulated all participants in the “MEDUSA” exercise, which is successfully held from 19 to 25 November 2022.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos also added that Greece and Egypt have a common goal of implementing a long-term strategic cooperation, by International Law and good neighbourly relations, for the establishment of an environment that promotes and supports their people’s growth and prosperity, but also security and stability in the East Mediterranean.

After the signing of the agreement, a bilateral meeting took place between the Minister of National Defence and his counterpart, also attended by the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, during which the activities and programmes for the enrichment of the two countries’ defence cooperation, as well as the security situation in the East Mediterranean, were discussed.

The address by the Minister of National Defence at the signing of the agreement is the following:

“Ministers,

It is a great honour and pleasure to be here today, in Cairo, first of all to meet, even for a little while, my dear friend, and an official whom I deeply respect and appreciate, the Minister, General Mohamed Zaki, and sign with him the Cooperation Agreement in the Fields of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue.

I would also like to express my joy as, at this important circumstance, we have with us here, our Foreign Ministers, my dear friend Minister Mr. Dendias and Minister Sameh Shoukry, who share our contentment, as well as the Alternate Foreign Minister – and good friend – Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis who, as the Minister said, will afterwards sign an agreement at Foreign Ministers level, as well as the Chief of the Armed Forces General Konstantinos Floros, a very strong Greek government representation, for a very strong strategic relation.

Allow me, Ministers, to recognize your contribution and leading role for the excellent level of our countries’ relations.

The Agreement we are signing today reflects the strategic relation we have forged these past years; a relation that is founded on strong historic ties of friendship and mutual respect.

The Agreement establishes the framework of cooperation and mutual assistance of the two countries pertinent S&R coordination Centres; a cooperation that is of high importance and requires efficiency, promptness and an acute sense of duty, driven by the wish to protect human life and prevent major destructions.

The Agreement also determines the S&R jurisdiction and AORs between Greece and Egypt, which align with the Athens and Cairo FIRs respectively, fully implementing and absolutely respecting International Law.

In contrast, the so-called “Memoranda of Cooperation” between Turkey and the Government of Tripoli, constitute unlawful, infringing, void and destabilizing behaviours. They are clear challenges against sovereign states, they disregard the rules of International Law, the Law of the Sea and geography itself, while also being a clear threat for regional stability and security.

Today, we will also have the opportunity, with Minister Mr. Zaki, to discuss the latest developments in our broader region, the progress of our bilateral cooperation, and the ways we can further develop and deepen it.

We consistently seek after enhancing interoperability and full use of the potential of all Services of our Armed Forces, by conducting several mutual trainings and flagship joint exercises, such as “MEDUSA” exercise, which is currently held off the coast of Alexandria, successfully involving Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and other states.

I would like to warmly congratulate all participants in “MEDUSA”, an exercise reflecting in the best possible way, the excellent level and spirit of cooperation, as well as the high-level training of our countries’ Armed Forces.

Greece and Egypt have a common vision for the creation of an environment that encourages and supports growth and prosperity of their peoples, as well as security and stability in the East Mediterranean.

Our shared goal is to achieve a long-term, cohesive and meaningful strategic cooperation, according to International Law and good neighbourly relations with all countries in the region.

This is why we rush to condemn all forms of revisionism, but also unilateral actions that violate sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity.

We believe that all countries have the fundamental obligation to respect International Law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

I am really glad as today our countries’ determination to promote our commitment to regional stability and cooperation, and to face together the challenges and threats in our region, is not only reiterated, but also enhanced.

Minister,

Thank you for your warm hospitality.

It will be a pleasure to see you in Athens!

Thank you very much!”