Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias paid an official visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, where he held high-level talks with Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia. The visit underscores the deepening strategic defence cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia amid evolving regional security challenges.

During their meeting, the two ministers exchanged views on the broader geopolitical environment, regional stability, and emerging security threats. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing bilateral defence relations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and interoperability.

Prince Khalid bin Salman expressed his appreciation to the Greek government for the continued deployment of the Hellenic Force in Saudi Arabia (ELDYSA), highlighting the professionalism and operational effectiveness demonstrated by Greek personnel. The Greek contingent has played a significant role in supporting critical infrastructure protection and contributing to regional security frameworks.

Following the meeting in Riyadh, Minister Dendias travelled to Yanbu, where he visited the facilities hosting the Greek deployment. During his visit, he received a comprehensive operational briefing from the commander of the Greek force regarding its mission, capabilities, and recent activities.

Addressing the personnel of ELDYSA, Dendias delivered a personal and highly symbolic message, choosing to speak informally rather than reading from prepared remarks. He conveyed the strong appreciation of both the Greek government and Saudi authorities for the unit’s performance, noting that the reputation established by Greek forces in the Kingdom has been “exceptional.”

The Minister made particular reference to the unit’s recent operational success, for which he had already publicly expressed national gratitude. He announced that, following a recommendation by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (SAGE), a formal commendation (Épainos) would be awarded to the personnel in recognition of their achievements.

Dendias also stressed the broader strategic value of the deployment, noting that Greece benefits not only diplomatically but also operationally from the real-world experience gained by its forces. “The world is changing,” he stated, pointing to the increasing dominance of power over international law and the persistent security challenges faced by Greece.

Highlighting Greece’s unique security environment, he underlined the importance of field experience under real operational conditions, describing it as irreplaceable for national defence preparedness.

In a more personal tone, the Minister expressed pride in the personnel and their representation of Greece abroad, emphasizing the symbolic importance of their presence and the raising of the national flag in an allied country.

Concluding his address, Dendias extended Easter wishes to all deployed personnel, acknowledging the personal sacrifices involved in serving abroad during the holiday period. He expressed hope that they would soon return safely to their families and personally greeted each member of the unit.

The visit further consolidates the growing defence partnership between Greece and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability, security cooperation, and operational excellence.