JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister of Foreign Affairs, what does Athens want to take away from the 4th Greece-Egypt-Cyprus Summit Meeting?
N. KOTZIAS: The 4th Greece-Egypt-Cyprus Summit Meeting reaffirms once again the political will of the three states to strengthen the foundations of their trilateral cooperation -- which is not aimed against third parties -- as well as their joint commitment to promoting peace, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Our countries, which are located very close to crisis regions, have managed to create a triangle of cooperation with positive added value, not just for themselves, but also for the wider region, which needs stabilizing initiatives and cooperation.
As a basic pillar of stability in the region, Greece comes to this Meeting proving its readiness to contribute to the handling of these crises in cooperation with all of the involved countries. At the same time, it underscores its commitment to effectively promoting specific projects and programmes in sectors of common interest, including energy, technology, culture and tourism, along with the strengthening of trilateral economic and trade cooperation.
JOURNALIST: What might be the significance, in practice, of this Meeting for Egyptian Hellenism?
N. KOTZIAS: For Greece and Egypt in particular -- two countries that are natural strategic partners in the region and already collaborating on the international level -- this Meeting is yet another opportune channel of communication in sectors of common interest, to the benefit of both peoples.
In practice it is yet another cooperation mechanism that reaffirms our close relations with Egypt. This element is extremely important for the security, progress and prosperity of Egyptian Hellenism, given that the strong channels of cooperation and understanding with Cairo work to enhance the protection of the Greek Communities and our ecclesiastical missions in Egypt.
JOURNALIST: What is your message to the Greek communities of Cairo and Alexandria?
N. KOTZIAS: The centuries-old Greek presence -- of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and of the Greek communities -- in Egypt is the result not only of the coexistence of two countries in the same geostrategic space, but also of their common historical course.
Egyptian Hellenism functions historically as a bridge of friendship between Egypt and Greece. Through its dynamism and cosmopolitanism, the Greek community flourished and served as benefactor, while also contributing decisively to the development of Egypt, maintaining its Greek identity.
A basic and longstanding pursuit of the Greek state is ardent support of the Greek community here, its protection, as well as the bolstering and promotion of its activities. We will be at your side.
October 12, 2016