Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou advanced critical data and energy corridor talks in Riyadh this week, cementing a strategic partnership that now includes high-stakes discussions with the Trump Organization on the sidelines of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 expansion.
Marking the centennial of diplomatic relations in 2026, Mr. Papastavrou’s visit aims to lock in Greece’s role as the primary European gateway for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
A focal point of the agenda was the East-to-Med Corridor (EMC), a fiber-optic data link connecting Asia to Europe via Saudi Arabia and Greece.
In meetings with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih, Mr. Papastavrou stressed the project's importance for regional digital sovereignty, alongside plans for a green hydrogen electricity interconnector.
The trip also highlighted significant private sector engagement. Mr. Papastavrou met with Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, which is developing $10 billion in luxury projects in Riyadh and Jeddah in partnership with Dar Global.
“The momentum of our strategic cooperation remains strong,” Mr. Papastavrou said, drawing parallels between Riyadh’s King Salman Park and Athens’ own Ellinikon urban regeneration project.
The talks reinforce Athens' pivot to the Gulf, positioning itself as an essential bridge for energy and data flows as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil.