Cairo: 'The judicial ruling issued on May 28 concerning the lands surrounding the St. Catherine's Monastery has confirmed the inviolability of the monastery, its affiliated archaeological sites, its spiritual value, religious significance, and its associated cemeteries,' Minister of Foreign, Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty said. The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a host of European ambassadors on Friday 30/5/2025 to give them a detailed account of the court ruling.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister cited President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's phone call on Friday to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which Sisi emphasized Egypt's unwavering commitment to preserving the monastery's sacred religious status. Sisi also affirmed the monks' rights to use and perform religious rites at the monastery and its affiliated archaeological sites, the minister said.

He noted that efforts will be made to reach a regularization agreement between the local authorities and St. Catherine's Monastery, Abdelatty added, urging all parties to seek accuracy and avoid making false and prejudicial allegations before reading the full text of the court ruling, especially in light of rumors reported recently by some media outlets alleging that the state is confiscating the monastery's property.

Abdelatty reaffirmed the strategic importance of Egyptian-Greek relations, hailing the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties.