Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is welcoming his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in Athens today for talks expected to focus heavily on regional security and bilateral cooperation.
The meeting between the foreign ministers of Greece and Saudi Arabia is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. local time. According to the Greek Foreign Ministry, the two officials will deliver joint statements to the press later in the afternoon, at approximately 5:30 pm, following expanded talks between the two delegations.
Betweent he meeting and the press statements, at 4:00 p.m., the two sides are also expected to sign a bilateral agreement exempting holders of diplomatic, service and special passports from visa requirements.
According to diplomatic sources, the agenda will center on bilateral relations and developments across the wider region, with particular emphasis on the ongoing Middle East crisis, freedom of navigation and the future of Gaza.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud makes statements with former Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias – now Defense Minister – after their meeting in Athens, Greece, Jan. 4, 2022. The two ministers focused on bilateral relations in defence, economy and investments. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)
Greece and Saudi Arabia recently upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership during the Supreme Cooperation Council held in Riyadh in January 2025, strengthening collaboration especially in the critical energy sector.
Also expected to be discussed is the continued deployment of the Greek PATRIOT missile defense system in Saudi Arabia. The battery has intercepted Iranian drones and ballistic missiles in recent months, contributing to regional defense and the protection of critical energy infrastructure.
As part of the growing military cooperation between Athens and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has requested an extension of the Greek system’s deployment in the kingdom.
Wednesday’s Meeting with Croatia’s Foreign Minister
Strengthening NATO’s European pillar was also a key topic during Gerapetritis’ bilateral meeting Wednesday with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman.
Alongside extensive discussions on Mediterranean security and concerns over a possible spillover of ongoing military conflicts, the Croatian foreign minister stressed both Greece’s and Croatia’s commitment to reinforcing the European pillar of NATO.
Radman highlighted initiatives led by Croatia in the field of drone defense, noting that his country is among the leading NATO member states in drone-related capabilities, alongside Latvia and Denmark.
“Both Ukraine and the Middle East remain absolute priorities,” Radman said. “For the Middle East, we are doing what we are doing for Ukraine: support and diplomatic engagement aimed at ending hostilities. A solution must also be found to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This is not only crucial for regional stability but also for advancing peace and security across the region.”
He added that protecting civilian lives remains an absolute priority in efforts to achieve a political solution.
Gerapetritis and Radman also exchanged views on migration and the protection of the European Union’s external borders.
“As countries located on the external borders of the European Union, Croatia and Greece share a common interest: ensuring that the migration management system functions effectively,” Radman said. “Croatia will continue its fight against irregular migration, demonstrating strategic commitment and solidarity.”
Concluding his remarks, the Croatian foreign minister also voiced support for Greece’s initiative to accelerate the EU accession process for Western Balkan countries, describing enlargement as essential for Europe’s prosperity and resilience.
