Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty received a letter on Saturday from Archbishop Symeon of St Catherine’s Monastery, confirming his approval of an agreement covering the monastery and its surrounding land.
The agreement is expected to be formally signed once a date is set for the signing ceremony.
The move comes as part of efforts to implement a ruling issued by the Ismailia Court of Appeal on May 25, 2025, in full compliance with relevant Egyptian laws. It is also intended to bring all related legal proceedings to an end.
Abdelatty welcomed the letter and reaffirmed Egypt’s pride in St Catherine’s Monastery, one of the world’s oldest religious and cultural heritage sites, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Nader Zaki said.
“Egypt had protected the monastery for more than 1,600 years, reflecting its longstanding commitment to preserving religious sites and humanity’s shared heritage,” Abdelatty said.
He also reiterated Egypt’s firm commitment to safeguarding the monastery and preserving its spiritual and religious status.
He stressed the monastery’s unique historical significance as a symbol of tolerance, fraternity and peaceful coexistence among religions and civilisations.
