Sinai Monastery’s Future: Greek and Egyptian Delegations Hold Crucial Cairo Talks
Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 04/06/2025
Cairo – Egypt: High-stakes talks were held on June 4, 2025, in Cairo between Greek and Egyptian delegations regarding the future of the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai. The discussions come amidst a growing political debate in Greece and increasing diplomatic pressure from Athens to secure the monastery’s status.
The Greek delegation, led by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, met with his Egyptian counterpart to address the legal ownership of the monastery and to call for the implementation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s commitments to protect its Orthodox and sacred character. Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis affirmed, “Greece supports the longstanding legal status of the monastery and will seek to finalize the agreement… ensuring the preservation of the monastery’s identity.”
The Greek position is rooted in an informal understanding reached in May, which acknowledged the Sinai Monastery’s property rights. However, the absence of a formal signature has led to an Egyptian court ruling that separates the monastery’s religious character from its property rights. While Egypt has given positive signals regarding the protection of the monastery’s religious aspect, official statements have not directly addressed legal ownership of the lands.
Described as “constructive,” the meetings saw both sides clearly present their positions. Gerapetritis stated post-meeting, “We agreed to work in the next phase on guaranteeing the rights of Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, and on solidifying its legal status and independent legal entity.” He emphasized the deep religious significance of the monastery for the Greek Orthodox Church and the mutual intention to move forward.
Greek officials highlighted the “political dimension of the issue” and emphasized the need to consider international law principles regarding global cultural heritage, requesting the preservation of the monastery’s current status. The Egyptian side presented the legal complexities, with both parties agreeing to a technical analysis to develop next steps. The talks reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to protecting the monastery’s Greek Orthodox identity, though the issue of legal ownership is expected to be discussed later.
These diplomatic efforts in Cairo coincide with an escalating political dispute in Greece, where opposition parties are criticizing the government’s handling of the issue. Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis Management, Kostas Katsafados, affirmed Greece’s “clear national position” to protect the monastery, while government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis argued the court ruling was “interpreted too hastily.” Opposition leaders, including PASOK’s Nikos Androulakis and SYRIZA’s Sokratis Famellos, have announced upcoming visits and called for parliamentary intervention, highlighting the issue’s gravity.
Despite positive signals, no final agreement has been reached, with the fate of the historic monastery pending resolution between political recognition and legal ratification.
Source:
OCP News Service
