Greece is seeking to strengthen its strategic relationship with Israel while simultaneously expanding cooperation with Arab countries, as Athens positions itself as a diplomatic bridge between Europe and the Middle East.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece intends to continue its defense cooperation with Israel but does not view that partnership as a barrier to closer relations with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other countries across the region.

Athens Pursues a Multi-Partner Strategy

Mitsotakis has emphasized that Greece’s foreign policy is not limited to its relationship with Turkey or any single regional power. Athens has developed an increasingly broad network of political, military, energy and economic partnerships stretching from Europe into the Gulf and North Africa.

The Greek government says these relationships allow the country to maintain strategic connections with states that sometimes have difficult relations with one another. Greece’s foreign minister has similarly described the country’s diplomatic approach as diversified rather than dependent on one major partner.

Defense Cooperation With Israel Continues

Greece’s partnership with Israel has expanded significantly in recent years, covering defense, security and energy cooperation.

The two countries recently agreed on a €3 billion defense project under which Israel will help establish an advanced air-defense network in Greece. The agreement represents one of the largest defense arrangements between the two countries and forms part of Athens’ wider military modernization program.

Mitsotakis has also highlighted Greece’s substantial defense spending, which has been driven partly by longstanding disputes with Turkey over maritime boundaries and sovereignty issues in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

Greece Looks Toward Saudi Arabia and Egypt

At the same time, Athens is seeking closer engagement with Arab governments.

Mitsotakis said he plans to visit Saudi Arabia, while a visit to Egypt is scheduled for Tuesday for talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Greece has described its relationship with Egypt as strategically important in areas including defense, energy and infrastructure.

Greece has also maintained a Patriot air-defense battery in Saudi Arabia since 2021. According to the Associated Press, the Greek system has been used several times since July against drones and ballistic missiles reportedly aimed at the kingdom.

Athens Positions Itself as a Regional Bridge

The Greek government increasingly portrays the country as a link between Europe, the Middle East and Gulf states.

Official statements from Athens point to relationships with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon alongside Greece’s strategic partnerships with Israel, the United States and other Western allies.

This approach could become increasingly important as alliances across the Middle East evolve. Rather than choosing between competing regional blocs, Athens says it wants to maintain communication and cooperation with multiple sides.

Turkey Remains a Key Factor

Greece’s defense strategy is also closely connected to its longstanding tensions with Turkey.

Mitsotakis said Athens wants good relations with Ankara but continues to regard maritime-zone boundaries in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean as the central dispute requiring resolution. Greece has also continued its military modernization, including plans to receive its first 20 F-35 fighter aircraft in late 2028.

For Greece, maintaining strong partnerships across the region provides additional diplomatic and strategic options while it manages its relationship with Turkey.

A Broader Role for Greece

Athens’ strategy reflects an effort to increase Greece’s influence beyond its traditional European role. By maintaining close ties with Israel while deepening relationships with Arab and Gulf countries, Greece hopes to expand its diplomatic reach and strengthen its position in regional energy, defense and infrastructure initiatives.

The coming diplomatic meetings in Saudi Arabia and Egypt are expected to provide further opportunities for Athens to reinforce those relationships.