Qatar Amir, Greek PM hold talks on ties and regional security

Qatar Greece relations

In Athens, Amir met with Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who meanwhile welcomed his counterparts and continued to strengthen bilateral ties and expressed a desire for further cooperation, especially in economic and investment domains. Sheikh Tamim had official talks with Mitsotakis in the presence of government officials at Maximos Mansion, where both sides renewed their commitment to bolstering relations and discussed key regional tracks.

In a statement on the meeting, Mitsotakis said: "Greece has stood by all GCC countries and, in particular Qatar, as it faces Iran's unprovoked attacks." He also called for diplomacy, calling on both nations to seek “a diplomatic solution that would bring about a sustained peace” and guarantee “freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.

The leaders exchanged views on regional developments across Lebanon and affirmed the necessity of maintaining ceasefires and achieving sustainable agreements in support of enduring stability across the region.

Thanking Greece for its clear position on the US-Iran war and its implications for the region, Sheikh Tamim reiterated Qatar's positive relations with Greece.

He insisted Qatar was working towards de-escalation through dialogue: “All of us are wishing that this conflict will finish very soon by negotiations, and of course we check every step in this.

The Amir underlined the robustness of longstanding relations between the two countries and cited Qatari investments in Greece as a proof that Qatar is exploring more investment footprints.

The scope of talks included defence, trade, energy, investment (which has been originally announced on 15 July 2018), information technology among others; and discussions involving a long-term vision for deeper military cooperation.

Its scope includes connectivity, agri-food and infrastructure upon which both sides agreed to work towards a more comprehensive partnership.

Both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on agriculture between the relevant ministries, which further institutionalises cooperation.

The leaders also talked about challenges to the global economy, particularly energy supply chains and addressing the need to safeguard shipping routes in order to ensure that these vital international waterways remained safe.

Investment opportunities in Greece were highlighted, particularly in infrastructure, data centres, energy and hospitality, as Athens seeks to attract further foreign investment.