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 in Saudi Arabia. This decision follows a request from Saudi Arabia, underscoring Greece’s commitment to bolstering Saudi air defense systems. The Patriot missile battery, which has been stationed in Saudi Arabia since 2021, plays a crucial role in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles aimed at Saudi energy infrastructure, including areas like Yanbu.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s condemnation of attacks on Saudi Arabia and confirmed the continuation of support for the Kingdom’s security measures. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their strategic partnership, with discussions extending into potential expansions in defense, energy, and connectivity sectors.
Regional security was a prominent topic during their dialogue, particularly concerning developments related to Iran and ensuring the freedom of navigation. Mitsotakis highlighted the necessity for international shipping routes to remain open and secure, which is vital for maintaining global trade.
Additionally, the discussions covered the East to Med Data Corridor project, which aims to enhance digital connectivity between Europe and Asia by linking through Greece and Saudi Arabia. The leaders assessed the progress of this initiative and planned for the upcoming Greece-Saudi Arabia Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation meeting, reflecting on advancements since its inaugural session in January 2025.