RIYADH: Mishaal Al-Sulami, the vice speaker of Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council, has met Ioannis Plakiotakis, the first vice president of Greece’s Hellenic Parliament, in Athens.
The meeting took place during Al-Sulami's official visit to Greece and following an invitation from Plakiotakis, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The parties focused on the historic ties between Saudi Arabia and Greece, the SPA added.
Plakiotakis said the countries’ bilateral relations had evolved into a strategic partnership, particularly at parliamentary level, supported by growing political and economic cooperation.
He highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening the ties between the two countries and in supporting each other at all levels.
Plakiotakis added that Saudi Arabia was a leading nation with a prominent position in the region and the world, alongside its significant developments across various fields, and expressed his desire to continue developing and strengthening bilateral relations.
Al-Sulami spoke of this year’s centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Greece, and the creation of the Strategic Partnership Council. The first meeting of the council took place in AlUla last January and was co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, reflecting shared long-term interests.
Al-Sulami said that the Shoura Council valued strengthening relations with the Hellenic Parliament and stressed the need to activate parliamentary diplomacy, including reciprocal visits and parliamentary friendship committees.
The meeting concluded with discussions on issues of common interest, particularly parliamentary affairs. Both sides expressed hope for continued progress in bilateral relations and sustained constructive dialogue.
Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef and other Shoura Council members also attended the meeting.
