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.



Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
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Global Cybersecurity Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Riyadh

The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)
The Saudi Crown Prince announced the launch of the "Global Security Forum to Protect Children in Cyberspace" during his welcoming speech to the forum's guests. (SPA)

The fourth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) 2024 began in Riyadh on Wednesday. It is organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, in partnership with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed participants on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two-day event, themed “Advancing Collective Action in Cyberspace,” has drawn leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 120 countries.
In a message read at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, the Crown Prince stated: “Cyberspace is closely linked to the growth of economies, the prosperity of societies, the security of individuals, and the stability of nations.”
According to SPA, he noted that due to the cross-border nature of cyberspace, it is essential to harmonize international efforts to seize the opportunities and “face the challenges it presents, by investing in people.”
Welcoming the participants, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a force for good for the benefit of humanity and human prosperity around the world.”
“It has continuously worked to uphold the principle of cooperation and strengthen international collaboration toward efforts that support development and prosperity for all nations. It has initiated several initiatives aimed at achieving these genuine goals in all sectors,” he noted.
“Believing in the importance of investing in people in this vital and promising domain, in 2020 we launched two global initiatives. The first relates to protecting children in cyberspace, and the second focuses on empowering women in the field of cybersecurity,” he added.
“The institute for the Global Cybersecurity Forum is entrusted with overseeing both initiatives, as well as implementing the associated projects,” affirmed the Crown Prince.
He highlighted the progress made by these initiatives, particularly the increased understanding of needs at the global level that has led to new and inspiring visions, enabling the GCF to develop impactful initiatives and programs, publish research and studies, and formulate new frameworks and strategies.
These efforts empower decision-makers worldwide to develop policies and programs that enhance child protection in cyberspace and promote women’s participation in the field of cybersecurity.
The first day of GCF 2024 featured discussions on five main topics: closing cybersecurity gaps, online behavior, the social structure of cyberspace, a thriving cyber economy, and new cyber opportunities.
Key officials, decision-makers, and experts from governments, academia, and global companies took part in the sessions.
The forum is a global platform that brings together leaders from governments, cybersecurity, academia, and NGOs. Its goal is to strengthen international cybersecurity, support economic and social development, and align global efforts in the field.