Mohamed Bin Zayed and Greek PM discuss strategic partnership, regional and global developments

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday discussed with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, the prospects of enhancing cooperation and joint work in various fields as part of the strategic partnership between their countries.

During a meeting at the Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his confidence that this visit will be a new addition to the active and fruitful cooperation between the two countries, and will help expand their strategic partnership.

Sheikh Mohamed and the Greek premier reviewed opportunities to advance their cooperation, especially in the economic, investment, developmental, environmental and energy fields, and expanding their partnership in renewables and food security, to help drive sustainable and economic development in both countries.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual concern, and relevant developments, including the Ukraine crisis and humanitarian and economic fallout. In that context, the two leaders affirmed that the visions of their countries are aligned with regard to finding peaceful solutions to regional and global conflicts and crises, as well as supporting diplomatic efforts to achieve the aspirations of world nations in terms of promoting peace and enhancing development, security and stability in the region and the world.

Furthermore, Sheikh Mohamed said that the UAE-Greece diplomatic relations, which were established in 1976, have developed significantly across various sectors, noting that the strategic partnership they signed in 2020 made a transitional shift in strengthening their ties, especially with the UAE being keen on driving their partnership forward in various fields.

He explained that the 2021 spike in UAE-Greece trade exchange, which rose by 67 percent compared to 2020, is an added testament to the major advancements that the strategic partnership contributed, and will serve as a springboard towards more sustainable and productive strategic partnerships, especially in the fields of renewable energy, technology, healthcare, food security, among others.

Speaking of the Ukraine crisis, Sheikh Mohamed stated that the UAE is closely monitoring the situation, and is deeply concerned about its serious fallout across global security and stability and economic and humanitarian conditions. He further explained that the UAE's stance from the beginning of the crisis aligns with its continued efforts to promote peace, finding a diplomatic resolution, and addressing the humanitarian aspects in conflict-torn areas. He added that the UAE is continuing to provide humanitarian and relief aid to affected civilians.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince assured that the UAE is always prepared to exert all efforts, in collaboration with friendly countries, including Greece, to redirect the global narrative with the aim of reducing tensions related to the crisis and containing its fallout at various levels.

As for the impact of the Ukraine crisis on the global energy market, he underscored the UAE's keenness to maintain global energy security and ensure the stability of the global energy market to protect the interests of all concerned parties.

Sheikh Mohamed stated that there are prospects for enhancing peace and cooperation in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, despite the tensions it is witnessing, and that the UAE is working, through all its efforts, to set conducive environment needed to promote peace in the region and establish partnerships that help improve stability and serves the interests of all nations. He further noted that UAE and Greece share the vision of establishing peace and stability in the region.

He concluded by saying that he is looking forward to further develop the relations between the two countries across various fields in the coming period.

For his part, Mitsotakis expressed his appreciation for the warm reception organised for his delegation and the great hospitality shown to them. He also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, wishing the UAE further development and prosperity.

Moreover, the Greek prime minister said that Greece is proud of the distinctive friendship and relations it shares with the UAE, and of the major strides made across various fields thanks to their strategic partnership, noting that this is his sixth visit to the UAE since becoming the prime minister.

Greece is keen to enhance its cooperation with the UAE within the framework of the strategic partnership and expanding its scope to bring more prosperity to their peoples, he continued, adding that their partnership is steadily advancing, and is founded on shared goals and visions across various issues of mutual concern.

Mitsotakis also spoke of the negative impact of the Ukraine crises on the global energy sector, highlighting the joint efforts made to enhance security and stability and establish peace in the region and the world.

Meanwhile, the Greek prime minister wrote in the official guest book of his delight at visiting the UAE and the growth of their ties, wishing continued growth and prosperity for the UAE and its people.

Sheikh Mohamed hosted a luncheon in honour of Mitsotakis and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; and Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State.

Also present were Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to UAE President; Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Executive Council; Dr Khalil Foulathi, Advisor to the Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; Sulaiman Hamed Salem Al Mazrouie, UAE Ambassador to Greece; Samira Murshed Saleh Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Secretary-General of Federal Protocol and Strategic Narrative Authority; Maryam Eid Almheiri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of ADQ; and Mohamed Jameel Al-Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).

The delegation accompanying the Greek Prime Minister included Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investments; Konstantinos Skrekas, Minister of the Environment and Energy; Panagiotis Theodorikakos, Minister of Citizens' Protection; Dr Mina Gaga, Alternate Minister of Health; Dionyssios Zois, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the UAE; Dr Thanos Dokos, National Security Advisor; along with a number of Greek senior officials.

WAM