Reminiscing the Past through the Present: A Study on the Reminiscence of Ancient Bilateral Relations Between Greece and Egypt in Modern Diplomatic Agreements

The agreement on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the East Mediterranean Sea between Greece and Egypt is identified as an important step in international affairs. On the 7th of August 2020, Greece and Egypt signed this agreement in Cairo and it demarcates an exclusive drilling right for gas and oil, two energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea. This recent agreement is reminiscent of commerce, diplomatic, and political contacts that existed between ancient Greece and Egypt. Unearthed archaeological evidence and historical references portray the nature of these ancient relations. A close analysis of the agreement and its implications along with an examination of ancient references is done under the historical method to evaluate the importance of this long-term diplomatic relation. Naukratis, the Greek port in Egyptian territory was a major trade port inhabited by selective Greek communities. The trading ports of Canopus and Heracleion also functioned as major ports linking ancient Greece and Egypt.
Furthermore, there are ancient records of Egypt sending grain supplies to Athens in times of need. Further evidence shows Greece sending mercenaries to Egypt in request. Ancient Egypt had allied with selected Greek states, especially Athens, depending on their necessities. The recent agreement signed by Greece and Egypt in 2020 is examined as a present case study to reassess the continuation of these bilateral relations. Further, maritime commerce has played an important role in the continuation of foreign relations between Greece and Egypt throughout the centuries.