Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said a maritime demarcation deal signed recently between both countries will contribute to achieving security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Egypt and Greece signed an agreement last week establishing an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between the two countries for oil and gas drilling rights. During the telephone conversation, El-Sisi and Mitsotakis said the deal would "consolidate the correct foundations and rules for the demarcation process and contribute to achieving security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region," Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement late on Wednesday. The two leaders added that the deal "enables Egypt and Greece to utilise their natural resources in the interests of the peoples" of the two countries," the spokesman added. They hailed the deal as a "historic landmark for bilateral relations." The pair also discussed regional issues of common interests including developments in the oil-rich region and agreed to intensify coordination in this regard. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said last week the deal is the absolute opposite of the "illegitimate and legally unfounded" maritime agreement signed between Turkey and the Government of National Accord (GNA) Tripoli in late 2019.
