ATHENS, Greece / AsiaWire.IO / – His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has touched down in Athens to commence an official state visit to the Hellenic Republic. Upon arrival, he was greeted at Athens International Airport by Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis. This visit is extended at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. During his stay, Sheikh Khaled is anticipated to engage in important discussions with Mitsotakis.
This trip coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Greece, established in 1976. Over these five decades, the relationship has evolved into a broad strategic alliance covering sectors such as the economy, investments, energy, and technology. The partnership also emphasizes cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technology, clean energy, and digital infrastructure, highlighting new avenues for bilateral growth.
Sheikh Khaled is accompanied by a delegation comprising senior officials. Included are Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court. The group also features Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO.
High-ranking officials and ministers join the envoy
The delegation further includes Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Ghanem Sultan Alsuwaidi, Advisor of Security Affairs at the Crown Prince Court, are also traveling with Sheikh Khaled. Additionally, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, are part of the official entourage.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince, joined the group. Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court, is also present. The delegation is rounded out by Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic. The group’s diverse composition spans sectors such as defense, trade, investment, culture, health, and media.
Investopia forum coincides with the diplomatic visit
The Investopia Mediterranean – Athens event is taking place alongside Sheikh Khaled’s visit. This forum aims to bolster economic and investment collaborations between the UAE and Greece, serving as a platform for government officials and business leaders to explore potential partnerships. Key topics discussed include food security, logistics, and supply chain development.
The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations earlier this year. In May, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Mitsotakis for talks in Abu Dhabi. These discussions focused on sectors like the economy, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, sustainability, infrastructure, and culture. Throughout 2026, Sheikh Mohamed and Mitsotakis also held several phone calls to strengthen bilateral ties.