UAE’s Abdulla Balalaa Visits Greece for Athens Riviera Summit 2024

Abdulla Balalaa, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability of the United Arab Emirates, visited Greece from June 18-20 to participate in the inaugural Athens Riviera Summit 2024 in Athens.

Panel Discussion

Balalaa took part in a panel 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. He highlighted the UAE’s significant role in the energy sector, including traditional resources like oil and gas, as well as renewables. He also emphasized Greece’s importance as a strategic partner and a global player in energy security.

Meetings with Greek Officials

On the sidelines of the summit, Balalaa met with several Greek officials, including Theodoros Skylakakis, Alexandra Sdoukou, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Petros Varelidis, Secretary General of Natural Environment and Waters, and Maira Myrogianni, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs. He expressed gratitude for Greece’s support for COP28 and invited Greece to participate in the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which aims to enhance water desalination technologies. They also discussed cooperation in energy, climate, and food security sectors.

Major Agreement Announcement

During the visit, a significant agreement was announced between GEK Terna Group of Companies and Masdar, an Emirati-owned renewable energy company. This agreement, valued at 3.2 billion euros, is one of the largest business deals in the history of the Athens Stock Exchange. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Greece, 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.”