Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Greek Defense Minister Nikolos Dendiias on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the presence of Egyptian Armed Forces General Commander Ashraf Salem Zahr and other high-ranking officials. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance military cooperation between Egypt and Greece. President El-Sisi welcomed Dendiias, emphasizing the importance of their strategic partnership and expressing his desire to further develop their collaboration in various fields, particularly in defense and military areas.

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 collaboration promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. He stressed the need for continued cooperation among the three nations to address common challenges and achieve development.

Greek Defense Minister Dendiias expressed his appreciation for the visit to Egypt, conveying greetings from Prime Minister Mitsotakis. He acknowledged the historical and enduring relationship between Greece and Egypt, emphasizing his country's commitment to enhancing coordination with Egypt to address shared challenges, such as combating terrorism and irregular migration. Dendiias praised Egypt's crucial role in reducing irregular migration.

President El-Sisi also met with Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palamas, accompanied by Egyptian Armed Forces General Commander Ashraf Salem Zahr and Cypriot Ambassador to Cairo Eleni Rafi. The President welcomed Palamas, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations between Egypt and Cyprus and the need to deepen their strategic partnership in various fields, particularly in security and military areas.

During the meeting with the Cypriot Defense Minister, President El-Sisi requested that his greetings be conveyed to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The President emphasized the significance of trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece as a pivotal mechanism for consolidating security, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. This cooperation aims to serve the interests of the three nations and address common challenges.

Cypriot Defense Minister Palamas conveyed greetings from President Christodoulides, appreciating the close cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt. He praised the ongoing development of their collaboration in various political, economic, and military fields. Palamas acknowledged Egypt's pivotal role in reducing tension and promoting peace and stability in the region, expressing his country's commitment to enhancing coordination with Egypt to address shared challenges.

The meetings between President El-Sisi and the Greek and Cypriot defense ministers demonstrate Egypt's commitment to fostering strong relationships with its regional partners. The trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus serves as a model for regional collaboration, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. By enhancing military cooperation and addressing common challenges, the three nations aim to ensure regional security and stability.

Key points

  • Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus are strengthening their trilateral cooperation to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.