ATHENS, Greece / AsiaWire.IO / – Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has commenced an official visit to Greece upon arrival in Athens. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis received him at Athens International Airport. Sheikh Khaled’s visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with whom he is expected to engage in significant discussions. The visit aims to deepen cooperation across key shared sectors.
This year commemorates fifty years of diplomatic ties between the UAE and Greece, established in 1976. Over time, their relationship has evolved from basic diplomatic relations into a broad strategic alliance. It now encompasses areas such as the economy, investment, energy, and technology. Emerging fields of collaboration include artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technology, clean energy, and digital infrastructure, reflecting a growing partnership.
A notable official delegation accompanies the Crown Prince on this trip. Among its members is Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces. Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, is also part of the group. Additionally, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, is present for the visit.
Delegates focus on trade, investment, culture and health initiatives
Included in the delegation are UAE ministers such as Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. Also participating are Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Ghanem Sultan Alsuwaidi, Advisor of Security Affairs at the Crown Prince Court. Sheikh Khaled is accompanied by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, as well as Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
The group further includes 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 in attendance. Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, the UAE’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, joins the official delegation in Athens.
Business forum promotes new UAE-Greece collaborations
Investopia Mediterranean – Athens is taking place concurrently with the official visit. The event aims to bolster economic and investment ties between the two nations. It gathers government officials and business leaders to identify and develop new partnership opportunities. Focus areas include food security, logistics and supply chains, as well as investments that drive competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The Athens visit continues the strong diplomatic rapport between the two countries’ leaders. In May, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Mitsotakis for high-level talks in Abu Dhabi. Their discussions covered topics like the economy, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability, infrastructure, and culture. The two leaders have also held several phone conversations this year to reinforce their cooperation.