UAE Strengthens Energy And Sustainability Bonds With Greece At Athens Summit

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability of the United Arab Emirates, visited Greece from 18-20 June to participate in the inaugural Athens Riviera Summit 2024. The summit took place in the Greek capital, where Balalaa engaged in a panel discussion titled ‘Ministerial Dialogue - Investing in Energy Security: Strategic Energy Partnerships, the Path to the Green Transition & Effective Economic Cooperation in Unstable Times’ alongside Theodoros Skylakakis, Greece's Minister of Environment and Energy.

During the panel, Balalaa highlighted the UAE's significant international role in the energy sector, encompassing both traditional resources like oil and gas as well as renewable energy. He also emphasized Greece's importance as a strategic partner to the UAE and its global influence on energy security.

On the sidelines of the summit, Balalaa held meetings with several key Greek officials, including Theodoros Skylakakis, Alexandra Sdoukou (Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy), Dr. Petros Varelidis (Secretary General of Natural Environment and Waters), and Maira Myrogianni (Secretary General for International Economic Affairs). During these discussions, Balalaa expressed gratitude for Greece's participation in and support for COP28.

Balalaa also extended an invitation to Greece to participate in the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance water desalination technologies globally. Additionally, he explored avenues for cooperation in various sectors such as energy, climate, and food security.

A notable agreement was announced during Balalaa's visit between GEK Terna Group of Companies and Masdar, an Emirati-owned renewable energy company. This agreement is one of the largest business deals in the history of the Athens Stock Exchange, valued at 3.2 billion euros.

Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Greece, commented on the significance of this visit and agreement. He stated, "This visit and this agreement illustrate the importance of Greece to the UAE, not only in the field of energy but also as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner."

With inputs from WAM