Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Greek National Defense Minister Nikolos Dendias on September 22, 2026, to discuss enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Minister of Defense and Military Production, General Ashraf Salem Zahr, and Greek Ambassador to Cairo, Nikolos Papagiorgiou. President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of developing strategic partnership between Egypt and Greece, particularly in the military and defense sectors.
During the meeting, President El-Sisi requested that his greetings be conveyed to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Egyptian President also highlighted the significance of trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus, citing its success as a model for regional cooperation aimed at achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greek Defense Minister Dendias expressed his country's appreciation for Egypt's role in combating irregular migration.
President El-Sisi also met with Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palamas, who was accompanied by Cypriot Ambassador to Cairo, Eleni Rafi, and Cypriot Chief of Staff, General Karis Georgiou. The President welcomed the Cypriot minister, stressing the importance of deepening the strategic partnership between Egypt and Cyprus, particularly in security and military fields. He also requested that his greetings be conveyed to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
The meetings focused on enhancing military cooperation and regional security. President El-Sisi emphasized the need for continued cooperation between the three countries to address common challenges and achieve development. The Cypriot Defense Minister praised Egypt's role in reducing tension and promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Greek and Cypriot defense ministers expressed their countries' appreciation for Egypt's role in combating terrorism and irregular migration. They also highlighted the importance of continued coordination between their countries and Egypt to address these challenges. The ministers discussed ways to strengthen military cooperation and enhance regional security.
The trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus was a key topic of discussion. President El-Sisi stressed its importance as a mechanism for consolidating security, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Cypriot Defense Minister echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation to address common challenges.
The meetings between President El-Sisi and the Greek and Cypriot defense ministers reflect the strong relationships between Egypt and its regional partners. The discussions focused on practical steps to enhance military cooperation and regional security, underscoring the commitment of the three countries to work together to address common challenges.
Key points
- Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus are strengthening their military cooperation to address regional security challenges.
