Theodorikakos and visiting Saudi Minister Alkhorayef discuss deeper economic cooperation

Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos on Tuesday had a "working breakfast" with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, attended by representatives of large Greek companies, according to a ministry announcement.

The meeting "confirmed the common will to further deepen strategic relations between Greece and Saudi Arabia," the announcement said, while it was also attended by the General Secretary for Private Investment Stellina Siarapi and General Secretary for Industry Lefteris Kritikos.

The discussion focused on the prospects for closer cooperation and how to attract investments in energy, ship building, the agrifood sector, the pharmaceutical sector, construction and raw materials, as well as way to exploit the significant mutual interest in investments, in the context of the new production model for Greece in 2030 and the equivalent plan for transforming Saudi Arabia's economy, Saudi Vision 2030.

In statements after the meeting, Theodorikakos said: "The visit by Saudi Arabia's Industry Minister contributes decisively to further enhancing the strong and creative relations between the two countries - relations that have a strategic nature and dynamic prospects. Our meeting today with representatives of all the largest Greek companies in all key sectors of the Greek economy highlights our major common interests and the very significant opportunities to further develop mutual investments and increase trade between us, which already amounts to 1.9 billion euros. It is a great challenge and, at the same time, a major opportunity to strengthen Greek-Saudi relations further in key sectors of the economy..."

Alkohrayef noted that the two countries were a model for cooperation and a mutual interest in growth, expressing a commitment to working together with the Greek government, Greek chambers and the private sector in order to increase trade, investments and cooperation in crucial sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, raw materials and the ship building industry.

"Our aim - in the context of Saudi Vision 2030 - is to build even stronger foundations for cooperation and exploit the major opportunities that exist for the benefit of both countries."