ATHENS, Greece / AsiaWire.IO / – Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has commenced an official visit to Greece following his arrival in Athens. He was greeted by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at Athens International Airport. The visit is on the invitation of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with whom Sheikh Khaled is expected to hold significant discussions. The trip emphasizes enhancing bilateral collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Celebrating fifty years of diplomatic ties established in 1976, this year marks five decades of relations between the UAE and Greece. Over time, their relationship has evolved from basic diplomatic engagement into a comprehensive strategic alliance. Currently, their cooperation encompasses sectors such as the economy, investment, energy, and technology. Emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technology, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure are increasingly becoming focal points for joint efforts.
A substantial official delegation accompanies the Crown Prince on this journey. Among its members is Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces. Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who chairs the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, is also part of the group. Additionally, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology as well as ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, is participating in the visit.
Delegates represent trade, investment, culture, and health sectors
The UAE’s ministers taking part include Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Ghanem Sultan Alsuwaidi, Advisor of Security Affairs at the Crown Prince Court, are also present. The delegation is further joined by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Additional members include Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court, is also attending. The official party in Athens includes Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, the UAE’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic.
Business forum promotes new UAE-Greece collaborations
Investopia Mediterranean – Athens is held concurrently with the official visit. Its goal is to bolster economic and investment cooperation between the two nations. The event gathers government officials and business leaders to identify and develop new partnership opportunities. Key sectors include food security, logistics, supply chains, and investments aimed at boosting competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The Athens visit continues the close engagement between the leaders of both countries. In May, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Mitsotakis for high-level talks in Abu Dhabi. Their discussions covered various topics such as the economy, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability, infrastructure, and culture. The two leaders have also communicated multiple times by phone this year.