Saudi Arabia, Greece Study Supplying Europe With Energy

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)
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Saudi Arabia, Greece Study Supplying Europe With Energy

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Greek Prime Minister at the Acropolis Museum (AP)

Saudi Arabia and Greece began working on strategic cooperation on several issues of joint interest, including electricity generation through renewable energy and exporting electricity produced by renewable energy to Greece and Europe.

The two countries also agreed on cooperation in clean hydrogen, including low-carbon and green hydrogen, and its transfer to Europe.

The two countries issued a joint statement at the end of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's two-day visit to Greece.

The statement highlighted the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in the energy field. It also lauded the formation of a joint technical team in electrical interconnection and exporting electricity to Greece to make the necessary studies and start implementation accordingly as soon as possible.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the circular carbon economy approach and its technologies such as carbon capture, reuse, transfer and storage, and carbon direct air capture to reduce the effects of climate change.

They also agreed on cooperation in energy efficiency and the transfer of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in innovation and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in the energy sector and the development of clean technologies to use hydrocarbon resources in various applications in the industrial and construction fields.

Regarding climate change issues, the two sides stressed the importance of adhering to the Framework Convention on Climate Change principles and the Paris Agreement.

They asserted the necessity to develop and implement climate agreements by focusing on emissions without sources.

Greece also praised the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, expressing its support for Saudi Arabia's efforts in the climate change field and reducing emissions.

Saudi Arabia welcomed Greece's ambitious green agenda, especially the islands' green economy initiative.

The two countries agreed to boost their cooperation regarding the trade exchange of crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemicals.

The two sides agreed to enhance multi-dimensional cooperation in defense and security based on the results achieved within the framework of the bilateral comprehensive military cooperation agreement that was signed during this visit.

The agreement provides a comprehensive framework for establishing more cooperation in defense to enhance security and stability in both countries and the entire region.

The statement stressed the importance of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries by aligning the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Greek National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Greece 2.0).

They also affirmed their keenness to support investment integration opportunities between the two countries in several sectors of common interest.

The two sides praised the signing of the agreement to encourage and protect mutual investment in their belief in the private sector's vital role in achieving the ambitious investment programs.

The two sides renewed their determination to encourage investment partnerships between the private sectors in the two countries, enhance joint work and coordination by providing facilities, and find solutions to any challenges the private sector may face by strengthening investment and trade exchange.

They highlighted the fruitful results of the 5th session of the Saudi-Greek Joint Committee in Athens in May 2022, the Saudi-Greek Business Council, and the results of the Saudi-Greek Investment Forum in May 2022 in Athens.

During the visit, they praised the round table meeting between the Saudi and Greek companies.

The two sides welcomed the signing of several agreements and MoUs between the private sectors, amounting to about SR14 billion in energy, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, maritime transport and logistics, communications and information technology, health care, and food.

The two sides welcomed the signing of a data cable project agreement to strengthen the infrastructure for data transmission between Asia and Europe.

Later, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the dinner banquet hosted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

The Crown Prince and the Greek Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries for cooperation in the cultural field.

The Crown Prince toured the Acropolis Museum and was briefed on its contents of archeological and historical antiquities and artifacts.



Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Qatari, Omani and US Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister and  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Qatari, Omani and US Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister and  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate meetings in Manama with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi on the sidelines of the joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States, SPA reported.

During the meetings, Prince Faisal reviewed bilateral relations with Qatar and Oman and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in support of mutual interests and joint Gulf action.

The talks also focused on regional and international developments, particularly the latest developments regarding the US-Iran agreement and the progress of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as well as their implications for regional security and stability.

The discussions covered efforts to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and enhancing regional security and stability, in addition to developments in Gaza and Lebanon.

Prince Faisal and Rubio also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions.

The meeting with Rubio was attended by Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan, Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Naif Al Sudairi, Director General of the Office of the Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Ismail, and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan.


Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens

Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens
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Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens

Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens

As a continuation of the longstanding and distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) service for citizens of the United Kingdom, enhancing travel facilitation for those wishing to visit the Kingdom, in line with the reciprocal arrangements extended to Saudi citizens through the same service by the British side, SPA reported.

The ETA allows UK citizens to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under an electronic travel authorization with multiple entries and to stay for up to 180 days, either consecutively or across multiple visits within one year.

The authorization also permits travel to the Kingdom for a range of purposes, including tourism, short-term study, and business. It does not apply to work, residence, or Hajj visas, for which the relevant visa must be obtained.

The service will enter into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and will be available to holders of all types of UK passports, opening broader prospects for the distinguished partnership between the two countries and their friendly peoples.


GCC and US Stress Commitment to Strategic Partnership, Regional Security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool
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GCC and US Stress Commitment to Strategic Partnership, Regional Security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool

Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressed on Thursday their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and intensifying coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During a meeting in the Bahraini capital, Manama, the ministers discussed a number of regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of enhancing coordination and joint consultation in a manner that supports regional security and stability and protects shared interests.

The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in investment, trade, energy, and advanced technologies, in addition to supporting initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development and promoting economic prosperity.

Participants stressed the importance of collective action to confront common challenges and of adopting diplomatic solutions to resolve crises, in a way that enhances security and peace in the region and the world.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, who chaired the gathering, said GCC countries stress the need to respect national sovereignty and protect maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

In his opening remarks, Al Zayani welcomed the efforts that led to the cessation of hostilities and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. He also welcomed the announcement by the Sultanate of Oman of a corridor for the safe passage of vessels through the strait.

As for Rubio, he said that any deal with Iran would take the interests of Gulf states into account.

"The reality of it is that no country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways. And that will never be an acceptable condition of any deal. The president's been fundamentally clear about that," said Rubio.