Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a phone conversation earlier today with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, focusing on recent developments concerning the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, following a controversial ruling by the Egyptian judiciary.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Mitsotakis stressed the importance of preserving the monastery’s sacred character as a pilgrimage site and its enduring Greek Orthodox identity. He emphasized the need for the matter to be resolved through institutional and constructive means.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to the framework of mutual understanding already recorded between both sides, as well as the agreements reached during President El-Sisi’s official visit to Athens on May 7. During that visit, President El-Sisi had publicly reiterated his government’s commitment to safeguarding the monastery in South Sinai, firmly rejecting speculation that Cairo intended to alter its status or take action against it.
Both sides emphasized that these understandings form the basis for a swift and orderly resolution to the issue.
The latest diplomatic engagement follows a court ruling issued in Egypt on May 28, which aimed to clarify the legal status and operational framework of Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. However, the decision sparked widespread concern and speculation, with rumors suggesting that the monastery and its surrounding lands were at risk of confiscation by the Egyptian authorities, and that the resident monks could face eviction.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the foot of Mount Sinai, holds immense historical and religious significance. The recent judicial decision had triggered international attention and concern over the monastery’s autonomy, prompting swift diplomatic action from Athens.
