Saudi Arabia and Greece pledge closer defense and economic ties

Saudi Arabia and the Hellenic Republic issued a joint statement at the conclusion of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s official visit to Riyadh on October 25, 2026, marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received the Greek prime minister, where they held formal talks, exchanged congratulations on the centenary of diplomatic ties, and reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation across all fields.

Both sides praised the positive outcomes of reciprocal visits between their leaders, especially the establishment of the Saudi-Hellenic Strategic Partnership Council in 2022 and the convening of its first meeting in January 2025. They emphasized the council’s importance as an institutional framework to strengthen the partnership and implement priority initiatives.

On economic and trade matters, the two countries highlighted the strength of their economic ties and the growth of bilateral trade, which reached $1.7 billion in 2025. They welcomed progress by the Investment and Trade Committee under the Partnership Council and the recent Saudi-Hellenic Business Council meeting in Athens, agreeing to boost investments in infrastructure, energy, technology, and logistics.

Both parties commended progress on the EMC Cable project to enhance digital connectivity between East and West. Saudi Arabia welcomed Greek companies to invest in the Kingdom, particularly in major projects linked to Expo Riyadh 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Greece, in turn, encouraged Saudi companies to invest in Greece, highlighting its position as a gateway to the European market.

In the energy sector, Greece praised Saudi efforts to stabilize global oil markets. Both sides stressed the importance of securing maritime routes and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies, expressing concern over attacks on energy infrastructure. They reaffirmed the significance of the 2022 energy cooperation memorandum, especially the Saudi-Greek electricity interconnection project, and the need to accelerate collaboration in this area.

The two countries discussed enhancing cooperation in clean hydrogen and its export, as well as investment in conventional and renewable energy and petrochemicals. They also agreed to work together on energy efficiency and conservation in buildings, industry, and transport.

Both sides underlined the importance of adhering to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and developing circular carbon economy policies to achieve climate mitigation goals.

The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital economy, artificial intelligence, transport, judiciary, culture, tourism, sports, education, media, advanced industries, environment, public health, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

Both sides affirmed their determination to enhance cooperation and coordination in defense, serving mutual interests and contributing to regional and global security and stability. They also agreed to boost security cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combating all forms of crime, extremism, terrorism and their financing, as well as exchanging expertise and training in these fields. The two countries stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity and sharing information to protect their core interests and national security.

At the end of the visit, the Greek prime minister expressed his gratitude to the crown prince for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, while the crown prince wished the Greek people continued progress and prosperity.