Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Nikolas Dendias, Greek Minister of National Defense, in Cairo on September 22, 2026. The meeting was attended by Egyptian senior military officials, including General Ashraf Salem Zaher, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Mohamed Adly Abdel Wahid Suleiman, Head of the Egyptian Armed Forces' Armament Authority. Greek Ambassador to Egypt Nikolas Papagiorgiou and Lieutenant General Ioannis Kouris, Director of International and Strategic Military Relations at the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, were also present.
During the meeting, President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of continuing Egyptian-Greek-Cypriot cooperation to address common challenges and achieve development in the three countries. He welcomed Minister Dendias' visit to Egypt, highlighting the strategic partnership between Egypt and Greece. The President stressed the need to further develop this partnership, particularly in the military and defense fields, to serve the interests of both nations.
The Egyptian President also requested that his greetings be conveyed to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The meeting reflects the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and Greece, with a focus on enhancing military cooperation and addressing regional security challenges. Egypt and Greece have a long-standing strategic partnership, which has been strengthened in recent years through various agreements and joint military exercises.
The talks between President El-Sisi and Minister Dendias aimed to promote bilateral cooperation in the defense and military fields. The two sides likely discussed ways to enhance military collaboration, including joint exercises, defense production, and the exchange of expertise. Egypt and Greece have previously conducted joint military drills, demonstrating their commitment to regional security and stability.
The meeting between President El-Sisi and Minister Dendias took place against the backdrop of growing regional tensions. The Eastern Mediterranean region has witnessed increased military activity in recent years, with several countries vying for influence and resources. Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus have a shared interest in maintaining regional stability and security, which was likely a key topic of discussion during the talks.
President El-Sisi's emphasis on cooperation with Greece and Cyprus reflects Egypt's commitment to regional diplomacy and stability. The three countries have a shared vision for a secure and prosperous region, and their cooperation is seen as essential to addressing common challenges. The meeting between President El-Sisi and Minister Dendias demonstrates Egypt's efforts to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries and promote regional cooperation.
The visit by Minister Dendias to Egypt highlights the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Greece and Egypt have a long history of cooperation, and their strategic partnership has been strengthened in recent years. The meeting between President El-Sisi and Minister Dendias is a testament to the commitment of both countries to enhancing their cooperation and promoting regional stability.
Key points
- President El-Sisi emphasizes the importance of Egyptian-Greek-Cypriot cooperation to address common challenges and achieve development.
