Saudi Arabia and Greece have used the centenary of their diplomatic relations to promise a closer partnership built around energy security, trade and digital connectivity. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held talks in Riyadh on Sunday, issuing a joint statement that placed the protection of international shipping routes and uninterrupted energy supplies at the heart of their agenda, according to Arab News.
The leaders expressed concern about attacks on energy infrastructure, saying such strikes threaten supplies and destabilise global markets. Greece praised Saudi efforts to steady oil markets and keep exports flowing through alternative routes, including the East-West Pipeline.
Their economic relationship is also growing. Bilateral trade reached about $1.7 billion in 2025, and both governments called for deeper investment in infrastructure, construction, energy, logistics and technology. Saudi Arabia invited Greek firms to establish regional headquarters in the Kingdom and explore opportunities tied to Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Greece, in turn, presented itself as a gateway to European markets and invited Saudi investment in transport, logistics, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.
Energy cooperation formed the most ambitious part of the statement. The two countries agreed to accelerate a planned electricity interconnection between Saudi Arabia and Greece, designed to improve grid reliability and create a new power link between the Gulf and Europe. They also pledged to explore clean-hydrogen exports from Saudi Arabia to Greece and other European Union markets, while expanding investment in conventional and renewable energy and petrochemicals.
The partnership extends beyond energy. Both sides welcomed progress on the EMC submarine cable, intended to strengthen digital connections between East and West, and promised closer cooperation in cybersecurity, defence, artificial intelligence, space technology, health, education, culture, tourism and sport.__Photo courtesy Arab News
