Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ participation at the 1st High Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Greece and Saudi Arabia

Ενημερωτικό σημείωμα για τη συμμετοχή του Πρωθυπουργού Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη στο 1ο Ανώτατο Συμβούλιο Στρατηγικής Συνεργασίας Ελλάδας - Σαουδικής Αραβίας

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud co-chaired the first meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Greece and Saudi Arabia, held in Al Ula.

The Prime Minister stressed that this is the first time that Greece is establishing a High Level Strategic Cooperation Council with a country from the Middle East. “This shows how much value we attach to cooperation with Saudi Arabia at this critical juncture for the world and for the broader region. Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner for Greece and the EU and a key player for stability and prosperity in the entire region. The global landscape is reshaping and in this context the role of the Arab world and Saudi Arabia is crucial. The security of Europe and the Middle East are interdependent. In this landscape, our strategic cooperation becomes even more important,” the Prime Minister underlined at the opening of the HLSCC meeting.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined that the HLSCC sends a clear message that Greece and Saudi Arabia are strengthening their bilateral cooperation at the highest possible level in a wide range of sectors, such as defence, investment, trade, energy, tourism, culture and sports.

“This cooperation is of increased importance at the current juncture that our region is experiencing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. There is a risk of further destabilisation of the region, as the war in Gaza has added to a series of crises whose consequences we are called upon to deal with, such as the war in Ukraine. In this context, it is all the more important that Greece and Saudi Arabia share the same vision for security and peace in the region,” the Prime Minister noted.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the prospects for cooperation in energy, as well as trade and investment in sectors such as shipping, agri-food products and the construction sector.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mohammed bin Salman then signed the minutes of the meeting, which include the 46 initiatives jointly agreed by the Committees of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council and approved the governance structure of the HLSCC.

The HLSCC is composed of 7 Committees (Political, Military, Investment, Energy, Tourism, Cultural and Sports), headed by the relevant Ministers of the two countries.

Prime Minister’s meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman

During the private meeting between the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the strategic nature of the relations between Greece and Saudi Arabia and the establishment of bilateral cooperation at the highest level were discussed, with the first landmark meeting of the High Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries.

The Prime Minister placed particular emphasis on the initiatives undertaken by Greece both in the field of renewable energy sources and in the field of energy and digital connectivity, in order to become a hub in South-Eastern Europe.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined that Greece can be the gateway of Asia and the Middle East to Europe and stressed that Saudi Arabia’s key role in the IMEC Economic Corridor and our country’s position present even more opportunities for cooperation.

Furthermore, they discussed international and regional developments. The Prime Minister highlighted the important role of Saudi Arabia in the region as a factor of stability.

The two leaders exchanged views on the latest developments in Gaza and Syria.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and the resumption of the political process leading to a two-state solution.

With regard to Syria, Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s commitment to the territorial integrity of Syria and restated that the next day must come through an inclusive process that respects the rights of all religious and ethnic communities.

They also discussed the situation in the Red Sea. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation for our country.

Agreed Minutes of the 1st Meeting of the Hellenic-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council in Al Ula Governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 13/07/1446AH corresponding to 13/01/2025 AD