RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Greece are pursuing new cultural initiatives in education, handicrafts and the culinary arts, building on the success of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, according to a Greek diplomat.
Maira Myrogianni, secretary-general for Greeks abroad and public diplomacy, said: “There is very good momentum between the two countries … the diplomatic relations are at an excellent momentum and also we have a lot of signed agreements in the last years, in cultural, economic and different (fields).”
Speaking at the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh, she said the two countries held their first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in January in AlUla, co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Greek Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alexis Konstantopoulos, center, receives a parting gift of a portrait created by Arab News’ cartoonist, presented by Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, left, in the presence of Greek Secretary-General for Public Diplomacy Maira Myrogianni. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
In the field of public diplomacy, particularly culture, “the sky is the limit,” she told Arab News.
“We have ancient cultures, we have modern art. We have also started a task force called Crafting Greece … to promote the crafting,” she said.
She pointed to opportunities for collaboration as Saudi Arabia celebrates its Year of Handicrafts, with the Banaan Handicraft Week bringing together countries to showcase their traditions.
HIGHLIGHT
The Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh brings together artists, government officials, investors and diplomats for high-level discussions on culture as a driver of strategic investment.
On education, Myrogianni said there had been several meetings with the Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
“We have some Greek students studying in universities here and some Saudi students studying in Greece,” she said.
“Its important to explore the possibilities to have a section of teaching the Greek language … we think this is the modern Greek language and this is also a part of culture.”
Reflecting on her experience at the cultural forum, Myrogianni said she was “thoroughly impressed” and that “it was much better than I could have imagined.”
The secretary-general thanked the crown prince and Ministry of Culture for supporting cultural investment.
“It is a discussion that we need to have,” she said. “The fact that we have a first forum, dedicated at the global level … it’s a very good initiative and a very good intake for Saudi Arabia and internationally as well.”
The two-day event, held under the patronage of the crown prince, brings together artists, government officials, investors and diplomats for high-level discussions on culture as a driver of strategic investment.
Myrogianni said that she was “amazed” by the rapid changes she had witnessed in Saudi Arabia, recalling her past visitors for the Future Investment Initiative forums.
The growing cultural, educational and economic exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Greece reflect a partnership built on shared values and future ambitions. With new initiatives under discussion, both countries are deepening ties and ensuring the current momentum translates into lasting cooperation.
