Greece will continue to station its Patriot missile battery in Saudi Arabia following an agreement between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The decision comes after a request from Saudi Arabia to maintain the deployment, which has been in place since 2021 to aid in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles targeting the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure.
The meeting, held in Riyadh, underscored Greece’s commitment to bolstering Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities. Prime Minister Mitsotakis condemned attacks on the Kingdom and reiterated Greece’s unwavering support for Saudi security. The two leaders also reaffirmed their strategic partnership, discussing ways to enhance cooperation in defense, energy, and digital connectivity.
Regional security issues were also a pivotal part of the discussions, with both leaders addressing challenges involving Iran and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding international shipping routes. Mitsotakis highlighted the necessity of keeping these routes open and secure to ensure the stability of global trade.
In addition to defense and security, the meeting reviewed progress on the East to Med Data Corridor project, which aims to enhance digital connectivity between Europe and Asia through joint efforts by Greece and Saudi Arabia. The leaders also discussed preparations for the upcoming session of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation, evaluating advancements since the council’s inaugural meeting in January 2025.