Greece will keep its Patriot missiles in Saudi Arabia, where it guards energy infrastructure at the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The decision comes as Yemen’s Houthis step up drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities, pipelines and airports.
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh on Sunday, October 25, that “Greece responds positively to the Kingdom’s request for the Patriot missiles to remain in Saudi Arabia during these difficult times.”
Mitsotakis pointed out that Greece’s presence contributes not only to the security of the Kingdom but also to regional security, as it “protects critical energy infrastructure in Yanbu, on the Red Sea coast.”
On Saturday 24 October, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed that the group had targeted Aramco Co. in Yanbu. Saudi Arabia authorities did not confirm those claims.
Yanbu, located on the Red Sea coast, is a major port and industrial center, known for its oil refineries.
The Greek prime minister condemned the attacks against Saudi Arabia and stressed Greece’s active solidarity at a critical juncture for the Kingdom and the broader region, as the country has been contributing to Saudi Arabia’s air defense with a Patriot battery since 2021.
Mitsotakis also used the talks to stress freedom of navigation. He said Greece, as a major maritime power, attaches “the utmost importance to the security of international sea routes and the unimpeded flow of global trade” and reiterated that the international legal framework must be respected and that no restrictions should be imposed on freedom of navigation, which would set a dangerous precedent.
Greek minister of national defence Nikos Dendias visited Riyadh on Oct. 15 where he was received by the crown prince of the Saudi Arabian throne, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and also had a working meeting with the country’s minister of defence, prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.
During the meeting, the Saudi Arabian minister expressed his gratitude for the presence of the Greek Patriot Battery in the country.
Concluding his visit to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Dendias stated: “First of all, I had the pleasure to be received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who thanked me for our presence and the presence of the Greek Battery in Saudi Arabia, as well as for our participation in Saudi Arabia’s Defence. In addition, we had a broad discussion on the geopolitical developments in the region.
“After that, I met with the Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman, who began by thanking me for the presence of the Greek Battery in Saudi Arabia. Afterwards, we discussed a series of matters, which included technical issues regarding the stationing of our Battery in Yanbu and its continuation.
“I also visited Yanbu and, just a few moments ago, I had the great pleasure of shaking hands with the personnel of the Hellenic Force in Saudi Arabia; the women and men serving the Patriot systems and participating in the Defence of the Kingdom, while also contributing to the Defence of our own Country. They do not only contribute in terms of protecting energy facilities, but by also maintaining the prestige and capabilities of our country on a high level. They are acquiring useful experience through their presence here. An experience that the Hellenic Armed Forces need, because as we all know very well, Greece is not a country that does not face any threats. Our neighbourhood, our region, is not one inhabited by angels”.
Analysts warn that continued attacks on refining and export infrastructure could tighten supply conditions and increase volatility in already strained energy markets.
Saudi Arabia continues to emphasise stability and the uninterrupted flow of energy to global consumers, leveraging its infrastructure and partnerships to sustain exports even under challenging conditions.
