Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed here on Wednesday. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Mitsotakis and his delegation, and both sides discussed the distinguished relations between the UAE and Greece and ways of developing and consolidate their joint interests in all areas, in addition to several regional and international issues of mutual concern. They also highlighted multiple areas of cooperation between the UAE and Greece and promising development opportunities, most notably in the areas of investment, commerce, politics, culture, and defense. Thereafter, then discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the efforts of the international community to contain its humanitarian and economic repercussions. Sheikh Mohamed and Mitsotakis exchanged their opinions on regional and international issues that concern both countries, most notably the developments in the East Mediterranean. Both sides affirmed the distinguished relations between their countries, which are based on a strong political will and their ongoing cooperation while agreeing on many topics related to finding peaceful resolutions to the conflicts and crises witnessed by the region, and driving their diplomatic efforts to achieve the aspirations of their peoples for peace, prosperity and development, as well as for security and stability in the region and the rest of the world. Sheikh Mohamed stated that promoting dialogue, peaceful actions, respect for the sovereignty of countries, and not interfering in their internal affairs is the correct way to resolve disputes in the region, noting that the UAE is always working to establish peace. The UAE is closely monitoring the developments in the East Mediterranean, given its importance to regional and international stability and peace, he added, stressing that terrorism is the most serious threat to international peace and development, and noting that the UAE is supporting tolerance and coexistence and denouncing the exploitation of religious slogans to promote hate speech. Mitsotakis lauded the bilateral relations between the two countries and their overall cooperation while highlighting the keenness of his country to enhance its coordination with the UAE, and praising the UAE's role in supporting Greece's healthcare sectors in combatting the coronavirus pandemic. He praised the initiatives launched by the UAE to instill values of peaceful co-existence and tolerance among peoples, particularly during times of crises. He also lauded the historic peace accord signed between the UAE and Israel and its role in strengthening regional security and stability and in opening new avenues for the countries of the region. Both leaders later attended the announcement of the establishment of a strategic partnership between the UAE and Greece, in addition to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, in the field of foreign and defense policies. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos Dendias, announced the joint statement and the signing of the MoU. The announcement aims to achieve further outcomes, launch new initiatives, and encourage joint action between the two countries in areas of mutual concern. In the statement, the governments of the two countries stressed their commitment to international law, the United Nations Charter, and principles related to peace, good neighborliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes by all countries in the region. The announcement noted that the "Abraham Accord Peace Agreement" signed by the UAE and Israel to normalize their ties is a historic achievement that will help establish peace, stability, and mutual understanding between the peoples of the Middle East. The two countries also affirmed their commitment to not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and highlighted the importance of coordinated action by the international community to combat ongoing regional interventions and support the sovereignty of countries. The announcement then underscored their concerns about terrorism and extremism in the region and the exploitation of conditions in areas of conflicts while stressing their mutual commitment to combatting terrorism and extremism, and urging the international community to take resolute action against such attacks. The two governments agreed to enlarge the scope of their cooperation with regional and multilateral entities, agreeing on the added value of this cooperation. Greece expressed its commitment to playing a key role in reinforcing the historic ties between the UAE and the European Union.
