Saudi Investment Minister to Visit Greece to Expand Strategic Partnership

Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih. Reuters file photo
Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih. Reuters file photo
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Saudi Investment Minister to Visit Greece to Expand Strategic Partnership

Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih. Reuters file photo
Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih. Reuters file photo

Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih is set to visit Greece on Sunday at the head of a delegation of government officials, representatives of the private sector, and businessmen, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The three-day visit aims to expand the strategic partnership and enhance investment and trade relations between the two countries, SPA said.

During the visit, the Minister of Investment will meet with a number of Greek officials and executives of major Greek companies. The fifth meeting of the Saudi-Greek Ministerial Committee and the Saudi-Greek Investment Forum will also be held, it said.

The Saudi-Greek Business Council will complete its works and follow-up its activities with the participation of the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Federation of Greek Companies, aiming to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, address the challenges facing investors, and exchange information on available investment opportunities, the news agency added.



EU Says it Agreed with UAE to Launch Free Trade Talks

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen looks on in Brussels, Belgium, 10 April 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen looks on in Brussels, Belgium, 10 April 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
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EU Says it Agreed with UAE to Launch Free Trade Talks

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen looks on in Brussels, Belgium, 10 April 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen looks on in Brussels, Belgium, 10 April 2025. EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS

The European Union said on Thursday it agreed with the United Arab Emirates to launch free trade talks, amid the upheaval and uncertainties created by US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs. He has since walked back some of the tariffs.

“Today, (the European Commission) President von der Leyen held a cordial phone call with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. During their discussion, they agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement,” the EU said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The talks will focus on trade in goods, services, investment and deepening cooperation in strategic sectors including renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials, the EU said.

The UAE's president said the decision to initiate negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU reflects a shared determination to unlock the full potential of cooperation and advance their economic, trade, and investment ties in support of development aims.

“The CEPA would create new avenues for cooperation between the UAE and EU, increase trade and investment flows, and strengthen partnerships between the business communities of both sides,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on his X account.

He emphasized that UAE-EU relations are founded on a common vision of stability, growth, and prosperity.

By reducing tariffs and unnecessary trade barriers and improving market access for goods and services, the pact is expected to foster opportunities in key sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and artificial intelligence, UAE's state news agency (WAM) said.

The EU is the UAE's second-largest trading partner, accounting for 8.3% of the Emirati total non-oil trade. The wealthy Gulf state is also the EU’s largest export destination and investment partner in the Middle East and North Africa, WAM added on Thursday.