Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday described the upcoming Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, where leaders are expected to sign a US-brokered agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, as a “historic day,” expressing hope it could serve as “the cornerstone for a lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Meeting with President Konstantinos Tasoulas before departing for Egypt, Mitsotakis welcomed the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas on Monday and emphasized Greece’s readiness to contribute to the next steps of the peace process.

“With great emotion, we watch the scenes of the hostages’ release, two years after Hamas’ horrific attack. This chapter seems to be closing while opening the way to achieve something much greater,” he said, praising US President Donald Trump’s role in facilitating the agreement.

Mitsotakis also highlighted Greece’s role as one of the few European countries invited to take part. “We have a very important role to play as a country that maintains dialogue with all parties in the Middle East and is a pillar of stability,” he said.

Tasoulas described the summit as “historically significant,” noting that the peace effort seeks to resolve a crisis dating back to the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948. “This is the beginning of a process that could transform shared pain into shared hope,” he said, quoting the US presidential envoy to the region, and praised Trump as the “mastermind” behind the latest developments.

He underscored Greece’s longstanding engagement in the Middle East, saying the country has maintained dialogue with both Israel and the Palestinians, provided humanitarian aid to Gaza, and hosted injured and sick children in Greek hospitals.

Tasoulas expressed hope that Greece could also play a role in Gaza’s reconstruction if the peace process proceeds smoothly.

Source: Ekathimerini.com