Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman Visits Greece and France... First Trip to Europe Since Khashoggi Incident

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, has embarked on a tour of European Union (EU) countries including Greece and France. This marks his first visit to EU countries since the 2018 assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. As EU countries seek to strengthen energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia in response to Russia's pressure to reduce gas supplies, Crown Prince bin Salman's diplomatic influence is expected to expand further.

According to the Associated Press on the 26th (local time), Crown Prince bin Salman visited Greece and held talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He is scheduled to stay in Greece for the next two days to sign agreements on maritime transport, energy, and defense technology with Greece.

According to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Greek government plans to focus on energy cooperation such as installing an electric cable connecting Saudi Arabia and Greece, and mainly discuss ways to facilitate energy transportation from Saudi Arabia to Europe.

This visit to EU countries by Crown Prince bin Salman is the first since the 2018 Khashoggi assassination, and it took place less than two weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden's Middle East tour concluded. As European countries facing an energy crisis due to Russia's reduction of gas supplies compete to invite him, Crown Prince bin Salman's diplomatic activities are expected to increase.

After his visit to Greece, Crown Prince bin Salman will visit France and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Accordingly, an energy agreement between Saudi Arabia and France is also expected to be signed.

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