Greece, UAE denounce Turkey’s provocative behaviour in region

ABU DHABI – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan denounced Tuesday Turkey’s provocative behaviour in the region during a meeting in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohammed and Mitsotakis discussed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with an emphasis on Turkey’s provocative behaviour, especially on the Libyan issue.

The two leaders reiterated the consensus of UAE and Greek views regarding finding a solution to the Libyan crisis which meets the aspirations of Libyans with regard to development and peace, and puts an end to terrorism there. They also expressed their support for international and regional efforts in this context.

They rejected policies or actions that threaten stability in the Mediterranean, which is a vital region of great importance for international peace and security. They emphasised the need to respect international law regarding maritime borders and oil and gas resources in the region.

Turkey supports the UN-recognised Government of National Accord in Tripoli against Khalifa Haftar, who controls much of the south and east of Libya.

The strongman launched an assault in April 2019 to seize Tripoli, and has the support of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, countries with whom Turkey's relations are tense.

Mitsotakis dismissed a maritime deal between Ankara and Fayez Sarraj's government last year that would give Turkey and Libya access to an economic zone despite the objections of Greece, Egypt and Cyprus, which lie between the two geographically.

Sheikh Mohammed and Mitsotakis expressed mutual keenness to expand their cooperation and explore new opportunities to document joint work at all levels in order to serve the aspirations of both nations in development and progress.

“The UAE-Greek relations are deep-rooted and special and are based on a strong political will, a solid foundation of common interests, and compatibility of vision and outlook," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Investment in Greece

The Greek PM met with UAE investors to discuss ways to boost Emirati investments in various sectors of Greece’s economy.

“Given the improved climate for our country in international markets, the growth prospects of the Greek economy and the government’s investment-friendly initiatives, Mitsotakis called on Abu Dhabi’s fund managers to strengthen their presence in our country,” according to Greek sources.

“From the atmosphere of the meeting and from the Greek Prime Minister’s conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a strategic option arises for a deepening of political and economic relations between the two countries. In particular, the UAE side has expressed a strong desire to boost economic relations with Greece, in the context of upgrading political cooperation between the two countries,” the sources added.

The UAE expressed their interest in promoting Greece as the strongest tourist destination in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Mitsotakis visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have some of the largest investment funds in the world, as part of his international investment tour aimed at presenting his country as an investor-friendly country.