The foreign ministers of Greece and Egypt have signed a historic agreement outlining an exclusive economic zone between the two countries, conveying a strong message to Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aspirations for the eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias paid a visit to the Egyptian capital today, where he met with his counterpart Sameh Soukry, to complete the final details of the agreement and discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordination on issues of common interest as part of an agreement that is hoped will help solve the region's problems.
The announcement of the agreement was made by the representative of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who published photos from the signing ceremony between Dendias and his Egyptian peer. In a joint press conference following the meeting, Soukry said that both sides had signed an agreement on the establishment of exclusive economic zones between Greece and Egypt and that all its provisions were compatible with international law.
New horizons
According to Sky news Arabia, the Egyptian Foreign Minister stated that the agreement "allows both Egypt and Greece to proceed by maximizing the benefit of resources available in the EEZ for each of them", noting that "the agreement opens new horizons for further regional action cooperation".
As Soukry stated, "the agreement with Greece for the determination of the EEZ is in accordance with the International Law of the Sea. The relationship between Egypt and Greece is an important factor in maintaining security and stability in the eastern Mediterranean and in addressing irresponsible policies in support of terrorism, in addition to deviating from the foundations of international law."
For his part, Dendias stressed that "after today's agreement, Turkey's illegal agreement with Tripoli has ended up where it belongs - in the trash basket."
"Our agreement today confirms and secures the right and influence of our islands on a continental shelf and in an exclusive economic zone," said Dendias and sent the message that from today, relations between Greece and Egypt are entering a new closer phase.
Highlighting the importance of the agreement, Dendias described it as being exemplary and important for the entire eastern Mediterranean, as well as mutually beneficial and fair.
He further stressed that the agreement has been concluded in the framework of International Law and that it respects the provisions of International Law and the Law of the Sea.
"It also respects good neighborly relations. It contributes to stability and security in our region. It is an agreement between two friendly, neighboring countries that respect their history," he added.
He added that Greece continues to move in the same determination, aiming to outline borders with the other neighboring countries, but always within the framework of International Law and International Law of the Sea. In particular, he stressed that Greece calls on any other country in the region to follow the example of the current agreement and the corresponding one with Italy.
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