Deputy Speaker of the Senate in Athens: Saudi Arabia and Greece are strategic partners
In the context of strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and consolidating bilateral relations, His Excellency Dr. Meshaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, Vice President of the Shura Council, met with Ioannis Plakiotakis, First Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament, at the Parliament building in Athens, the capital of Greece. This official visit comes in response to an invitation from the Greek side, reflecting the mutual desire to expand cooperation between the two countries.
Historical depth and renewed partnership
The meeting began with a warm welcome from the Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament to the Saudi delegation, who reviewed the significant milestones in the history of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hellenic Republic. This visit is of particular importance as it comes at a time of unprecedented development in relations between the two countries, coinciding with the centenary of the establishment of friendly relations between Riyadh and Athens. This historical depth is no longer merely a diplomatic legacy, but has become a solid foundation for building strategic alliances that serve the interests of both friendly nations.
Strategic Partnership Council: A Qualitative Leap
During the discussions, Dr. Meshal Al-Sulami affirmed that Saudi-Greek relations have transitioned from traditional cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He highlighted the pivotal role of the 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. Al-Sulami noted the success of the Council's inaugural meeting, held in the historic city of Al-Ula last January, which established a roadmap for enhancing cooperation in the fields of energy, investment, culture, and defense, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The importance of parliamentary diplomacy
Both sides emphasized the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in bridging viewpoints and supporting government decisions. Al-Salmi explained that the Shura Council places great importance on activating parliamentary friendship committees and intensifying reciprocal visits, as these are effective tools for coordinating positions on regional and international issues of common interest. For his part, the Greek official praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading nation and a champion of peace and stability in the region and the world, commending the remarkable developmental progress and comprehensive renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing across various sectors.
High-level attendance
The meeting was attended by high-ranking diplomatic and parliamentary figures, including the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Greece, Mr. Ali Al-Yousef, along with a delegation of Shura Council members comprising 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). The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continued coordination and consultation to serve the best interests of both countries.
