The UAE Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability took part in the first Athens Riviera Summit in 2024.

Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability of the United Arab Emirates, visited Greece from 18-20 June to take part in the inaugural Athens Riviera Summit 2024 in the Greek capital.

During the summit, Balalaa participated in a panel titled ‘Ministerial Dialogue - Investing in Energy Security: Strategic Energy Partnerships, the Path to the Green Transition & Effective Economic Cooperation in Unstable Times’ with Theodoros Skylakakis, Minister of Environment and Energy for Greece. Balalaa discussed the significant international role the UAE plays in the energy sector, from traditional resources such as oil and gas to renewables. He also emphasized the important role of Greece as a strategic partner to the UAE and as a global player in energy security.

On the sidelines of the summit, Balalaa met with Skylakakis, Alexandra Sdoukou, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Dr. Petros Varelidis, Secretary General of Natural Environment and Waters of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and Maira Myrogianni, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic.

During the meetings, Balalaa expressed gratitude to Greece for its participation in and support for COP28. He also extended an invitation to the country to participate in the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which aims to encourage all entities in all countries to enhance water desalination technologies. Additionally, he discussed potential cooperation in the energy sector as well as in other sectors such as climate and food security.

Moreover, a significant agreement was announced during the visit between GEK Terna Group of Companies and Masdar, an Emirati-owned renewable energy company. This marks one of the largest business agreements in the history of the Athens Stock Exchange, valued at 3.2 billion euros. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Greece, emphasized the importance of Greece to the UAE, not only in the field of energy but also as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner.