President Abdel Fattah al Sisi welcomed the visit of Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos to Egypt.

Ties between Egypt and Greece date back to more than 4,000 years and the cultural exchange between the two countries contributed effectively to the civilization in the Mediterranean region.

This came during a press conference held by Sisi at the end of his talks Thursday with the Greek president, who is currently visiting Egypt.

Sisi voiced appreciation for the visit of the Greek president, which is considered the first since assuming his post.

Talking about the meeting with the Greek president, Sisi said that the meeting took up ways of boosting bilateral ties, especially in the economic ties.

The trade of exchange improved to reach 1.6 billion dollars, Sisi said, adding that Egypt and Greece seek to attain more economic ties through the joint panel, which was held at the end of last year.

The talks also took up ways of combating terrorism and the need of working according to a comprehensive strategy, not from the security perspective but also from social and political one, Sisi said.

The biggest challenge which is facing security and stability in the region is terrorism and extremism, he added.

Sisi also said that the meeting tackled illegal immigration, adding that Egypt hosts five million refugees and treat them as Egyptian citizens.

Regarding the Libyan developments, Sisi said that the meeting shed light on the importance of the support of the international community to the government, the elected parliament and the legitimate government.

Concerning the Syrian crisis, Sisi said that the meeting underlined the importance of having prospects to resolve the Syrian crisis and deal with the terrorist groups there.
Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that confronting problems facing the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean depends on the pioneering role which Egypt plays in the Arab and Islamic world.

Cooperation is crucial in order to confront terrorism through implementing the international law, which gives chances to reach a solution, he said.

He further said that cooperation should be held at the European Union level, adding that Greece is a member in the EU.

Security and stability in the region should lead to creating a unified policy to confront problems and circumstances in the region, he went on to say.

The Greek president, meanwhile, extended thanks to Sisi for inviting him to visit Egypt.

He also hailed the warm hospitality he received during his stay.

He further lauded ties binding his country and Egypt.