M. KAMEL AMR: We discussed many issues of common interest. We discussed investment opportunities in Egypt. There are some major investments here, and we believe there is potential for even more investments. We discussed regional issues, problems that exist in our region, the Palestinian issue, the situation in the Middle East, and I am glad that we saw that our views are the same on many of these issues. We discussed other fields of bilateral cooperation, energy plans, the potential for exporting the renewable energy Egypt is going to produce to Europe, via Greece. I look forward to my next visit to Athens, very soon, and I would say that this is an exceptionally strategic and important relationship.
S. LAMBRINIDIS: I would like to express my great satisfaction at the opportunity I had to meet with you, Mr. Minister, and I thank you very much for your hospitality. For us, as we discussed, Egypt is an important pillar of geopolitical stability in the region. You are a shining example for the region, and you will remain so. Greece and Egypt share the same values of respect for international law, international organizations and legal precedent. We both lend great importance to this, precisely at this time of great changes, hopeful changes, as well as great difficulties. We are natural friends and natural allies, in addition to our great historical ties.
As the Minister said, we discussed many issues of concern to our region. We discussed issues pertaining to our bilateral relations. And I had the opportunity to stress the importance to us not only of the Greek presence in Egypt, but also of European cooperation with Egypt. We will play an important role in ensuring the increase in joint plans and contacts in the coming months. This is our neighbourhood, Mr. Minister. We know it better than anyone else. The respect and love of the Greek people for the Egyptian people is historical, strong and deep. Our communities in Egypt remain. It is important that this diversity has been sustained throughout these years. It would be a particular honor for me if you could visit Greece soon, and I look forward to your visit.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, as you know, the energy sector is very important in our region. Will Egypt honor its commitments in the agreement with Cyprus on the exclusive economic zone?
M. KAMEL AMR: We honor every commitment we make. There should be no doubt about that.
I informed Minister Lambrinidis today that when it comes to the agreements we have concluded, when it comes to agreements or even disagreements we have, we honor them fully. We also discussed the agreements on investments in Egypt, and I assured the minister that all the agreements we have concluded will be honoured, irrespective of circumstances. This is Egypt’s express policy.
October 13, 2011