Egypt and Greece…a strategic partnership towards a sustainable future
Egypt and Greece…a strategic partnership towards a sustainable future
In a strategic step that reflects the depth of relations between Egypt and Greece, the two countries are moving towards strengthening their strategic partnership by confirming their commitment to the “GREGY” maritime electrical interconnection project, which aims to transfer renewable energy from North Africa to Europe, which reflects the two countries’ deep commitment to sustainable development, and strengthens their position as two major axes in the global energy market, at a time when the steps towards green transformation are accelerating.
HenceEarth GuardsIn this article, it reviews the dimensions of this growing cooperation, as a practical model for regional integration in the service of green transformation, and a reflection of a common desire to build sustainable partnerships. It will also shed light on the strategic opportunities this cooperation brings towards achieving sustainable development.
Development of relations between Egypt and Greece
Relations between Egypt and Greece have witnessed, in recent years, qualitative development in various fields, driven by a common desire to consolidate and expand the strategic partnership. This path culminated in the visit ofPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisito Athens at the beginning of this month, where the Supreme Cooperation Council between the two countries was launched, which is a new institutional framework that enhances long-term political and economic coordination.
In this context, a group of memorandums of understanding and bilateral agreements were signed, covering various sectors, such as energy, culture, maritime transport, and communications. A new strategic partnership was also agreed upon to enhance stability in the eastern Mediterranean. This reflects the two countries’ agreement on the importance of joint action in facing the growing regional challenges.
Electricity cable project details
In this visit, which we previously referred to, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi renewed with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis the two countries’ commitment to the electricity cable project, which is the first direct link of its kind between the continent of Africa and the continent of Europe to transfer electricity generated from renewable sources.
The marine electric cable extends over a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers under the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, with a transmission capacity of up to3000 megawatts, and this strategic project aims to enable Egypt to export surplus clean energy to Europe, while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional energy.
The project is expected to begin operating within five years, according to the timetable set by the governments of Egypt and Greece, and this date comes within the framework of a well-studied plan that ensures the gradual implementation of the technical and logistical stages, including laying the submarine cable and establishing the accompanying infrastructure.
The project, when it enters into operation, is expected to contribute to enhancing Europe’s ability to import clean energy from North Africa, especially from Egypt, which has enormous potential in the field of solar and wind energy.
Strategic dimensions of the project
The power cable project represents more than just technical or economic cooperation; It symbolizes a qualitative shift in regional relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean, and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi confirmed during his visit that this electrical connection is a regional project par excellence, opening a broad horizon for integration between Africa and Europe in the field of clean energy, and is a new platform for strengthening relations between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries.
In the same context, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis explained the importance of the project in securing reliable, low-cost energy sources for Europe, especially in light of the increasing geopolitical turmoil, and pointed out that relying on renewable energy from Egypt – especially wind energy – is an economic and strategic option for his country and the European Union alike.
The role of the project in enhancing cooperation between the two countries
This project comes within a broader context of the growing bilateral relations between Egypt and Greece, as the two countries seek to diversify areas of partnership, including energy, environment, investment, tourism, and security. The recent bilateral discussions reflected a clear consensus on the need to coordinate efforts to enhance stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and jointly deal with the challenges of migration, navigation security, and the phenomenon of climate change.
At the same time, Greece seeks to play a supportive role for Egypt within theEuropean Union, as the Greek Prime Minister affirmed his country’s commitment to working to strengthen institutional relations between Cairo and Brussels, which will reflect positively on the interests of both parties. He also stressed that Egypt is a reliable partner in the Middle East region, and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stability of the region.
Future prospects for sustainable development
The electricity cable project represents a serious step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to clean energy and climate action. With the launch of the actual implementation of the project, it is expected that this electrical connection will constitute a model of international cooperation in confronting the global energy crisis, and activate Egypt’s role as a regional center for the production and export of renewable energy.
It is estimated that the pilot phase of the project will begin by 2028, with the possibility of increasing capacity in later stages according to European demand. This will enhance the opportunities for creating new jobs, stimulating the local economy, and achieving tangible environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions and stimulating investments in the green energy sector.
Therefore,The Earth Guards believes that these rapid developments in Egyptian-Greek relations highlight an advanced model of strategic cooperation, based on common interest and a clear development vision, and that the maritime electrical interconnection project is a practical embodiment of this cooperation.
