In a move reflecting the deepening diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Athens, His Excellency Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, Vice President of the Saudi Shura Council, held extensive official talks with Ioannis Plakiotakis, First Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament. The meeting took place at the Parliament building in Athens, as part of an official visit aimed at expanding parliamentary cooperation between the two friendly nations.
A new era of historical relations
This visit is of particular importance as it coincides with the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hellenic Republic. These relations have witnessed an unprecedented transformation in recent years, evolving from traditional friendship into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing various political, economic, and cultural fields.
At the outset of the meeting, the Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament welcomed Dr. Al-Salmi and his accompanying delegation, praising the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a leading nation and a champion of peace and stability in the Middle East and the world. The Greek side affirmed that the qualitative developments witnessed by the Kingdom within the framework of Vision 2030 have made it an indispensable partner in addressing regional and international challenges.
Strategic Partnership Council: A Pillar of Cooperation
During the discussions, Dr. Meshal Al-Sulami emphasized that bilateral relations have reached their zenith with the establishment of the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. This council serves as the institutional framework that organizes and accelerates cooperation between the two countries. Its inaugural meeting was held in the historic city of Al-Ula in January of last year, marking a significant milestone in the development of their bilateral relations.
Al-Salmi pointed out that the Shura Council places at the top of its priorities the activation of parliamentary diplomacy to keep pace with this governmental movement, stressing the importance of parliamentary friendship committees in exchanging experiences and coordinating positions in international forums, in a way that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples.
Geopolitical and economic dimensions
The importance of these talks extends beyond the parliamentary sphere to encompass significant geopolitical and economic dimensions. Greece represents a strategic gateway for the Kingdom to the European Union, while Saudi Arabia is a pillar of economic and political stability in the Arab region. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, investment, and cultural exchange, in line with their shared interests.
The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Greece, Mr. Ali Al-Yousef, and a delegation of members of the Shura Council, including: Dr. Ibrahim Al-Qannas, Chairman of the Saudi-Hellenic Parliamentary Friendship Committee, Mr. Ahmed Al-Kridis, member of the Energy and Industry Committee, Dr. Mutaib Al-Mutairi, Vice Chairman of the Security and Military Committee, and Dr. Hind Al-Khamash, member of the Education and Scientific Research Committee.
