After several months of tension, behind-the-scenes negotiations, and public debate that at times tested the strategically important relationship between Greece and Egypt, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is traveling to the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai to attend the enthronement of the new Archbishop Simeon later today.

It is worth noting that Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis had attended Archbishop Simeon’s ordination a few weeks ago in Jerusalem.

Mitsotakis’ visit to the historic monastery comes just days after the announcement of a new agreement between Greece and Egypt, which finally resolves the long-standing issue concerning the monastery’s status. The enthronement of Archbishop Simeon was considered a key step in moving forward, as the Sinai Brotherhood will now be called upon to endorse the formula reached by Athens and Cairo following extensive discussions.

The agreement was first announced by the Prime Minister in Parliament during a special debate on national issues, held at his own initiative following requests from the opposition.

According to government sources, Mitsotakis’ presence at the ceremony sends a strong message about Greece’s commitment to preserving the centuries-old spiritual and cultural identity of the monastery — a beacon of Orthodoxy with global significance.

While in Sinai, Mitsotakis will hold an initial meeting with Archbishop Simeon, as well as with Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. During his discussions with the Sinai Brotherhood, the Prime Minister is expected to outline the key aspects of the preliminary understanding reached between Athens and Cairo, which the Brotherhood will also need to formally approve.

In a broader context of strengthening Greek–Egyptian strategic ties, Mitsotakis will also respond to an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza on Saturday — a landmark cultural event.

The two leaders recently had a brief meeting in Brussels, during an EU–Egypt working dinner, where President al-Sisi praised Greece’s pivotal role in deepening Cairo’s relations with the European Union.