Saudi Arabia, Greece call for safe shipping routes, closer energy ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held talks in Riyadh, pledging to deepen cooperation on energy, investment and digital connectivity as the countries marked 100 years of diplomatic relations. The crown prince received Mitsotakis at Al-Yamamah Palace, where an official reception ceremony preceded the talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported. In a joint statement issued at the end of the visit, both sides stressed the need to protect international shipping routes and keep energy supplies flowing without interruption.

They expressed concern about attacks on energy infrastructure and their effects on supplies and market stability. Greece praised Saudi efforts to stabilize global oil markets and maintain supplies through alternative export routes, including the East-West Pipeline. The discussions also focused on expanding economic ties.

The countries said bilateral trade reached about $1.7 billion in 2025, up from 2021, and called for stronger investment ties in infrastructure, construction, energy, logistics and technology. The talks built on a strategic partnership council announced during the crown prince’s visit to Greece in July 2022. The council held its first meeting during Mitsotakis’ visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2025.

Among their energy priorities, the two countries pledged to accelerate work on the planned Saudi-Greek electricity interconnection. The project aims to enable electricity exchanges, improve grid reliability and strengthen power links between Saudi Arabia and Europe through Greece. They also agreed to explore opportunities to export clean hydrogen from Saudi Arabia to Greece and other European Union markets, while expanding investment in conventional and renewable energy and petrochemicals.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →