The Political Committees that met during the first meeting of theSupreme Council for Strategic Cooperation held in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, agreed on 48 initiatives to be developed in the coming period that will contribute to the further strengthening of Greece-Saudi Arabia relations.

As the minutes of the meeting, signed by Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mohammed bin Salman show, most of the initiatives (19) relate to security and defense issues, while 15 initiatives were decided in the field of Trade and Investment with the aim of creating a long-term economic partnership.

Detailed minutes of the 1st Meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Council between Greece and Saudi Arabia in Al Ula:

In reflection of the progress of relations between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in order to promote coordination and cooperation between our two countries in various fields to enhance the interests of both countries, contributing to achieving stability and meeting the aspirations of the leaders of the two countries.

In the framework of the agreement for the establishment of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council signed in Athens on 26/7/2022 A.D. corresponding to 27/12/1443 A.D., and in the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, the first meeting of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council was held in Al Ula on 13/1/2025 A.D. corresponding to 13/07/1446 A.D, co-chaired by His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, and His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and attended by Their Highnesses, Excellencies, Heads and members of committees of the Greece-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.

The Co-Chairs of the Council reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries and stressed the importance of activating the Council and its Committees as a key platform that frames the work of the two countries to strengthen their relations towards further progress and prosperity in light of the available capabilities of the two countries and the importance of promoting and investing in them in the most appropriate method that will achieve mutual benefits.

They also explained the efforts of the General Secretariats of the Council in facilitating the work of the Council and its Committees and stressed the critical role played by the Council Committees.

They agreed to continue to support and develop various areas of cooperation to ensure development and prosperity for both countries through the following recommendations:

First: Political Committee:

Both Parties signed the minutes of the Policy Committee and within the Committee four (4) initiatives were agreed upon as follows:

1. Conduct consultations between officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.

2. Continuing discussions on mutual exemption from the visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

3. Upgrade the level of coordination of individual positions in international fora.

4. Preparation of an Action Plan for cooperation between the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies “Prince Saud Al-Faisal”.

Second: Security and Defence Committee:

Recognizing the current and emerging challenges in the geopolitical environment and with a view to promoting peace and stability in their respective regions, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation in the fields of defense and security through the establishment of a long-term military partnership.

The two sides stressed the importance of further enhancing their bilateral relations in the defence and security fields through the organization of numerous activities and initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation in the military fields of common interest. In this spirit, they agreed, in principle, on (19) initiatives within the framework of the Commission.

Third: Committee on Investment and Trade:

Both Parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in the field of Trade and Investment and to build a long-term economic partnership. They stressed the importance of increasing bilateral trade both in quantity and quality, encouraging and supporting investment, and addressing any challenges through exchanging visits, holding meetings, and organizing investment and economic activities. These activities aim at exchanging knowledge and experience and attracting high-quality investment in areas of common interest. The two sides discussed several initiatives linked to various areas of common interest and prioritized (15) initiatives under the Investment and Trade Committee. The most important initiatives to be developed at this stage are: cooperation on the submarine cable (EMC) project; providing support and addressing challenges that may arise regarding the project; exploring potential areas of cooperation between the Hellenic National Fund (Development Fund) and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in line with the investment strategies and mechanisms of the two funds, cooperation in the sectors of shipping (maritime transport and shipbuilding), agriculture and food industries (including fish farming and sustainable practices), communications and information technology, hospitality and tourism, construction, engineering and design services, and real estate services. The two Sides also expressed their desire to increase the volume of trade through enhancing non-oil exports between the two countries.

Fourth: Energy Committee:

In the context of bilateral relations and common interests between the Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the first meeting of the Energy Committee was held on 8 January 2025, online. The two Parties stressed the importance of Energy as a catalyst for deepening their strategic cooperation. The two Parties reviewed the depth of relations in various sectors within the Committee and agreed on seven (7) initiatives in the fields of energy, communications and information technology, which include: Electricity Interconnection, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Clean Hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), East-Med Corridor Submarine (EMC) Fiber Optic Cable, Fiber Optic System between the Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Thursday: Tourism Committee:

Both Parties agreed on the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in the tourism sector and raising awareness about Greece and Saudi Arabia as tourist destinations, through the activation of the Joint Action Plan 2024-2026, which aims to bring closer the representatives of the private sector of the two countries, and increase the demand for tourism. In this context, the two sides agreed to work on the activation of the Joint Action Plan (2024-2026) in the field of tourism, signed by the two countries.

Commission for Culture:

The two Parties stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture between the Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They further stressed the need to launch cultural exchange programs as methods of deepening cooperation and promoting mutual understanding in the cultural field. In this context, the two sides agreed in principle to an initiative in the field of exchange of cultural programs and participation between the two countries.

Seventh: Committee on Sports:

In the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of sports, an online meeting of the heads of the working groups of the Sports Committee was held on 8 January 2025. During the online meeting, the level of cooperation in the field of sport was praised and ways of future development of this cooperation were discussed. Three (3) initiatives were adopted, which include: cooperation in the area of Anti-Doping in Sport, Sports Media Education, Sports Infrastructure, and Stadium Design.

Results of the 1st Meeting of the Greek-Saudi Strategic Partnership:

The Co-Chairs of the Council agreed on the following:

1. They endorsed the governance, organizational structure, and procedures of the Council as mutually agreed by both sides through diplomatic channels.

2. They instructed the heads of committees appointed by the Greece-Saudi Arabia Strategic Cooperation Council to approve new initiatives in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council.

3. They requested the heads of committees appointed by the Council to work to complete the implementation of the approved initiative cards and existing projects agreed upon by the two sides in a manner that ensures the achievement of tangible results, and for the Council Secretariat General to follow up in this regard and overcome any challenges – if any.

4. They instructed the General Secretariat of the Council to work on a plan that includes a timetable for the next session of the Council and its Committees. Both Foreign Ministers, acting as “Secretaries of the Council”, will approve the plan and the General Secretariat will oversee its implementation in consultation with the Heads of the relevant Committees.

5. Include the work of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee under the framework of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Strategic Cooperation Council.

In conclusion, the Co-Chairs of the Council stressed the need to intensify consultations and cooperation between the institutions on both sides, through the creation of qualitative and strategic initiatives that meet the ambitions and achieve the desired objectives to promote relations between the two sides in various fields. The two sides also agreed to hold the next Council meeting in Athens at a date and location convenient to both sides, to be determined through diplomatic channels.

The minutes were drawn up and signed on 13/01/2025 A.D. corresponding to 13/07/1446 A.D., in three original copies in Greek, Arabic, and English, and in case of any difference of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Saudi Co-Chairman of the Council for Strategic Cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia

His Excellency, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic

Chairman of the Greek side of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Strategic Cooperation Council.