Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion, Harry Theoharis, focused on the positive momentum and prospects for further developing economic relations between Greece and the United Arab Emirates in an address he delivered at the INVESTOPIA MEDITERRANEAN – ATHENS conference on Thursday, October 22 2026.
Mr Theoharis emphasised that “our countries, Greece and the United Arab Emirates, have longstanding and solid ties in the fields of shipping, entrepreneurship and trade. Today, investment and technology are giving this already strong relationship a new dimension. We need corridors that carry not only goods and energy, but also ideas, skills and innovation.”
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also referred to the current geopolitical uncertainty, which is putting supply chains, trade routes and investor confidence to the test, highlighting the pressing need to strengthen ties between countries and build trust among investors. “Freedom of navigation and respect for international law are essential prerequisites,” Mr Theoharis stressed.
Referring to the achievements of economic cooperation between Greece and the UAE since 2022, Mr Theoharis placed particular emphasis on three priority areas for further strengthening economic ties: 1) energy and connectivity, 2) artificial intelligence and innovation, and 3) partnerships involving not only major investors but also small businesses, start-ups and research centres.
“This ambition,” Mr Theoharis stressed, “is reflected in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ National Strategic Plan for Extroversion 2026–2030, with Enterprise Greece playing a leading role as a strategic partner, always ready to translate investment interest into sustainable projects.”
Concluding the Greece–United Arab Emirates Business Forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Theoharis emphasised that “the true strength of a strategic partnership is reflected not only in shared ambitions, but above all in the ability of both sides to translate them into lasting and measurable results.”
Earlier, the Deputy Minister participated in a meeting at the Maximos Mansion between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions focused on investment, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, the agri-food sector and the strengthening of bilateral business ties.
October 22, 2026