In a recent meeting in Riyadh, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reached an agreement to keep Greece’s Patriot missile battery stationed in Saudi Arabia. The decision follows a request from Saudi Arabia and underscores Greece’s commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s air defense systems. Deployed since 2021, the Greek missile battery has played a crucial role in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles aimed at Saudi energy infrastructure, including vital locations in Yanbu.
During the discussions, Mitsotakis condemned the attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and reiterated Greece’s unwavering support for the country’s security. The two leaders also emphasized their strategic partnership and explored avenues for expanding cooperation in defense, energy, and connectivity sectors. They addressed regional security issues, notably the situation with Iran, and highlighted the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation to ensure global trade remains uninterrupted.
The meeting also covered the East to Med Data Corridor project, an initiative designed to enhance digital connectivity between Europe and Asia through Greece and Saudi Arabia. This project represents a significant aspect of the bilateral relationship, aiming to strengthen technological ties between the two regions.
Looking ahead, Mitsotakis and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed preparations for the forthcoming session of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation. They reviewed the progress made since the council’s inaugural session in January 2025, paving the way for further collaborative efforts.
