Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis concluded a significant visit to Saudi Arabia this week, strengthening ties between the two nations. In Al-Ula, they convened for the first session of the Supreme Strategic Cooperation Council (SSCC), a groundbreaking platform aimed at deepening cooperation in energy, maritime trade, tourism, agriculture and more.

Mitsotakis had a one-on-one meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the Syrian conflict and the shifting geopolitical realities in the region.

Mitsotakis emphasized the increasing interconnectedness of Middle Eastern and European security.

“The security of Europe and the Middle East is interdependent,” he stated, highlighting that the growing instability in the region underscores the critical need for cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia.

Mitsotakis reportedly emphasized Athens’ initiatives in renewable energy, as well as its energy and digital connectivity efforts. Greece aims to transform into a key hub linking the Middle East with Europe.

Mitsotakis also referred to the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) plan, which envisions connecting India, the Arabian Peninsula and Europe via Greece. He stated that “Greece can be the gateway from Asia and the Middle East to Europe.” Mitsotakis stressed that Greece has a pivotal role to play as a gateway between these regions, particularly in terms of trade, energy, and digital connectivity.

Further discussions centered around energy security, where both leaders signed agreements for new initiatives, including the East Med Corridor – a subsea cable aimed at bolstering connectivity.

The leaders endorsed 46 initiatives across sectors such as energy, military cooperation, and culture.

Mitsotakis also praised Saudi Arabia’s role as a stabilizing force in the region, while calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the resumption of the political process aimed at a two-state solution.

Source:  Ekathimerini.com