By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, made his first visit to Athens in his political capacity to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Accompanying him were his chief of staff, ministers of Transport, Energy, Trade and Industry, Culture, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, the Director of Studies and Research, and the CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority, one of the largest public investment bodies in the world.
The visit and meeting between Al Thani and Mitsotakis signaled a strengthening of bilateral cooperation across various sectors, with a focus on the economy, investments, energy, tourism, defence, and regional developments on the international stage. Diplomatic relations between the EU and Qatar were also on the agenda.
In his statements, the Greek Prime Minister highlighted the “progress of our country in terms of development” and mentioned that the discussions also focused on regional developments, particularly in the Middle East.
In his remarks, the Qatari leader called the strengthening of bilateral relations “an opportunity” for his country, “especially in terms of the economy and investments.” At the beginning of their meeting, the two leaders exchanged the following dialogue:
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Athens. I would like to point out how much we value the partnership between our two countries. I believe this visit is a real opportunity to consider how we can further strengthen our relationship, especially in the economic field. Greece is currently making significant progress in terms of development. And of course, we will discuss regional developments. So it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Athens and repay your wonderful hospitality when I had the opportunity to visit Doha a few months ago.”
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani: “First of all, my dear friend Kyriakos, thank you very much for this invitation. I am very happy to be here for my first official visit. As you mentioned, we have a great historical relationship. But I believe this is an opportunity for us to strengthen these bilateral relations, especially in terms of the economy and investments. I am really looking forward to this meeting. Of course, we will also discuss regional issues, especially what is happening in Gaza. So I’m really looking forward to this meeting. Thank you very much.”
A Military Cooperation Agreement Signed
During the meeting and extended discussions involving both delegations, the mutual desire to strengthen Greece-Qatar relations was confirmed and formalized with the signing of two agreements: the Military Cooperation Agreement between the Greek Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Qatar, and a Memorandum of Cooperation for conducting political consultations on issues of common interest between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.
The talks also focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as the economy, investments, energy, and culture. The Greek Prime Minister outlined the wide range of investment opportunities Greece offers due to its geostrategic position and its connections with the markets of the Balkans, Southeastern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, as well as initiatives like the development of infrastructure projects, including FSRU Alexandroupolis.
Views on international and regional developments were also exchanged, with particular emphasis on the situation in Gaza. The Greek Prime Minister reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages while expressing his growing concern over the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s role in the Gulf region and particularly in the Gaza crisis, emphasizing that the strong relations between Greece and Qatar contribute to stability in the region.
The Greek side’s extended talks included participation from Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis, National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendonis, Maritime and Insular Policy Minister Christos Stylianides, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostas Fragogiannis, Director of the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Office Ambassador Anna-Maria-Elene Boura, Greece’s Ambassador to Qatar Ioannis Ioannidis, Head of the Prime Minister’s Economic Office Alexis Patelis, and Director of the Office of International Strategic Planning and Communication Aristotelia Peloni.
