During a recent meeting in Riyadh, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed that Greece’s Patriot missile battery will continue to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. This decision follows a request from Saudi Arabia and underscores Greece’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s air defense. The Greek missile battery, which has been operational in Saudi Arabia since 2021, has played a significant role in intercepting Houthi drones and missiles aimed at critical Saudi energy infrastructure.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis firmly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia and reiterated Greece’s ongoing support for the nation’s security. The leaders took the opportunity to strengthen their strategic partnership, exploring avenues for expanded cooperation in defense, energy, and digital connectivity. Discussions also covered regional security concerns, with a focus on developments involving Iran and the importance of maintaining open and secure international shipping routes to safeguard global trade.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the East to Med Data Corridor project, a key initiative aimed at enhancing digital connectivity between Europe and Asia through Greece and Saudi Arabia. The leaders discussed preparations for the next session of the Greece-Saudi Arabia Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation, evaluating the advancements made since the council’s inaugural session in January 2025.
Overall, the discussions in Riyadh highlighted both nations’ commitment to bolstering their defense collaboration and enhancing regional security, while also focusing on strategic projects that could strengthen economic ties and digital infrastructure. The continuation of the Patriot missile deployment is a testament to the deepening alliance between Greece and Saudi Arabia in addressing mutual security challenges.