A new era of Egypt-Greece cooperation begins

Egypt and Greece have entered a new phase of bilateral cooperation with the signing of a Strategic Partnership Declaration, marking a significant step in the evolution of ties between the two Eastern Mediterranean countries. The announcement came during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s official visit to Athens on May 7, where he met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The partnership signals a deepening of political, economic, and strategic collaboration in areas ranging from energy and trade to regional security and innovation. At the core of the agreement is a shared vision of leveraging geographic proximity, historic ties, and mutual interests to advance stability and prosperity in the region.

Energy and connectivity at the heart of the deal

One of the most critical aspects of the partnership is the GREGY electricity interconnection project, a high-profile initiative that aims to export renewable energy from Egypt to Europe via Greece. The project would be the first direct power link of its kind, supplying clean Egyptian electricity—largely generated from solar and wind—to EU markets.

For Egypt, this represents not only a strategic economic opportunity but a chance to position itself as a regional energy hub. With significant investment in renewables and existing gas infrastructure, Egypt is well-placed to benefit from Europe’s push to diversify away from Russian energy.

The project also aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals to expand its green economy and attract foreign direct investment in sustainable infrastructure. For Greek and European stakeholders, it offers a reliable energy source and a chance to bolster energy security amid global volatility.

Business cooperation expands beyond energy

Alongside energy, the agreement also covers a broad range of economic sectors. Memoranda of understanding signed during the visit outline cooperation in technology, innovation, legal migration, entrepreneurship, and seasonal labor arrangements.

The inaugural session of the High-Level Cooperation Council, co-chaired by El-Sisi and Mitsotakis, focused on reviewing the progress of bilateral projects and identifying new areas of joint investment. Key sectors include transport, maritime logistics, education, and manufacturing industries—areas where Egyptian and Greek businesses can build practical synergies.

For Egyptian enterprises, particularly in the export, tech, and logistics sectors, the partnership opens doors to enhanced market access and potential joint ventures with Greek firms, who can serve as gateways to broader EU markets.

A strategic alignment on regional stability

Beyond economic ties, the strategic partnership also reflects a mutual interest in regional security. Egypt and Greece reaffirmed their shared stance on pressing geopolitical issues—including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, maritime security in the Red Sea, and conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Sudan.

Both leaders underscored the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, increased humanitarian aid, and a renewed push for a two-state solution. Their coordinated messaging on these matters positions Cairo and Athens as stabilizing actors in a region marked by volatility.

This alignment enhances Egypt’s diplomatic weight and offers a platform for Egypt to further its role as a mediator and regional power broker—an image Cairo is keen to project to both Western partners and African neighbors.

Cultural diplomacy and symbolic gestures

In addition to strategic and economic matters, the visit carried symbolic significance. President El-Sisi addressed recent rumors regarding Saint Catherine’s Monastery, strongly reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to preserving the sanctity and historical agreements governing the site. This was a calculated effort to reinforce Egypt’s image as a tolerant, pluralistic state that respects religious heritage—an important message for European partners.

Such gestures play an essential role in international diplomacy, helping to build trust, defuse misinformation, and signal Egypt’s reliability as a partner in both values and policy.

Implications for Egyptian businesses

For Egypt’s business community, this evolving partnership presents several tangible opportunities. From infrastructure firms exploring involvement in the GREGY project to tech startups interested in cross-border collaboration, the potential is broad. Legal frameworks to facilitate labor mobility and skill exchange could also benefit sectors facing talent shortages.

Furthermore, increased cooperation in maritime logistics and port development could enhance Egypt’s role as a transport hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe—especially as both countries look to maximize their positions along key trade routes.

Looking ahead: A model for regional partnerships?

As Egypt strengthens ties with European partners, this strategic partnership with Greece could serve as a model for similar collaborations across the Mediterranean and Africa. With rising geopolitical fragmentation globally, regional alliances based on mutual interest, shared geography, and energy security are gaining prominence.

If effectively implemented, the Egypt-Greece pact could evolve into a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooperation, driving not just trade and energy integration, but also fostering long-term political alignment and economic resilience.