Monday, October 22, 2012
- Al-Alamein Ceremonies
Hellenic Republic President Karolos Papoulias concluded a three-day official visit to Egypt (October 18-20), accompanied by Defence Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos and Deputy Foreign Minister Constantine Tsiaras. On October 20, Papoulias attended an event at El-Alamein, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the second battle of El Alamein (October 23 – November 4, 1942) and the Allied forces – including Greek soldiers, who fought during the landmark WWII desert battle. 
The President spoke of the Greek resistance against the Axis invasion and occupation, and the Greek army’s contribution to the final victory of the Allied forces against the Nazis -as in the Battle of Crete and the North African Campaign- and expressed his conviction that this same strength of spirit will carry the Greek people through these difficult times. - Papoulias' Meetings
Papoulias began his visit to Egypt, on October 18, by meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Morsi, with whom he discussed diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Referring to uprisings in the Arab world, Papoulias said they brought about important changes in the entire Middle East. "My conviction in this crucial period is that the leading role of Egypt is becoming even more decisive," Papoulias noted.
On his part, Morsi expressed his contentment for the activities of Greek firms in Egypt. On October 19, the President attended an official luncheon at the Greek Embassy, organised in his honour by members of the Greek community and business leaders. Papoulias reaffirmed the Greek state’s support and also conveyed Morsi’s regard for the community’s activities.
Defence Ministers' Meeting
During the visit, Defence Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos met with his Egyptian counterpart General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, on October 19, with whom he discussed defence and military cooperation between Greece and Egypt. Both ministers agreed to accelerate the process so that an agreement can be signed as soon as possible.
Their talks also focused on other issues of common interest, such as the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the two countries and bilateral relations. Panagiotopoulos also invited al-Siri to visit Greece in December.
