Greece and Saudi Arabia Deepen Strategic Ties with Launch of Supreme Cooperation Council

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is visiting Saudi Arabia to participate in the first session of the Supreme Strategic Cooperation Council between Greece and Saudi Arabia.

This visit highlights the continued strengthening and upgrading of the strategic relationship between the two countries, as they navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Greece is seen as a crucial bridge for trade, investment, and energy connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The two leaders will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Supreme Cooperation Council and sign a series of joint initiatives spanning various areas of cooperation, including defense, investments, energy, tourism, culture, and sports. This marks the first time Greece has established such a high-level cooperation mechanism with a Middle Eastern country.

Saudi Arabia is a key regional partner for Greece, viewed as a stable and influential player in the Gulf. Conversely, Athens is seen by Riyadh as a reliable European democracy and a gateway to the EU and its markets. The strategic nature of their ties is underscored by Greece's contribution to Saudi Arabia's air defense.

Accompanying the Prime Minister is a large Greek delegation, including several ministers, reflecting the breadth of the agenda. This visit follows the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia's trip to Athens in 2022, where the establishment of the Supreme Strategic Cooperation Council was formalized, institutionalizing the two countries' strategic partnership.