Parliament ratifies two military agreements between Greece and Saudi Arabia

Two bills ratifying Greece’s collaboration in the Armed Forces passed in parliament on majority vote by ruling New Democracy, main opposition SYRIZA, and PASOK on Wednesday.

Voting against were the Communist Party of Greece, Elliniki Lysi, Niki, Nea Aristera, Spartiates and Plefsi Eleftherias.

The bills were titled “Ratifiation of the Settlement between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia related to the status of Hellenic Armed Forces on the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and “Ratification of the Agreement of Military Cooperation between the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.

Deputy National Defense Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis noted that Greece lies on the major geostrategic hubs globally, comprising the link between countries of Southeastern European countries, the Black Sea, the Middle East, and Northeastern Africa. This is an advantage on one hand, because of its geopolitical location, but on the other, it demands activated defenses and better arms protection, he said.

“Our country recognizes Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider region of the Middle East, and a significant regional role, that is why it moves ahead to strategic choices of deepening and establishing our defense cooperation,” Kefalogiannis said, through joint exercises, participation in a greater alliance of innovation and defense industries, and the exchange of specialists through conferences and exchange of information.

The objections expressed by the parties voting against it included the cost of such collaboration, the involvement in regional conflicts, and the weakening of Greece by providing armaments abroad.