Looking for an Oasis of Support: Greece and the Gulf states

This paper examines Greece’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Greek-Arab ties have a long history that goes back to 1947, when Greece voted against the partition of Palestine in the UN General Assembly. In the post-1974 era, these relations have been strengthened, reflecting Athens’ efforts to gain support in the dispute with Turkey and secure oil supplies. Within the last ten years, such security objectives of Greek foreign policy have moved to the background and economic priorities have come to the fore. This has made relations with the Gulf States a crucial economic and diplomatic goal that has not been undermined by its ties to Iran and Israel. While the country’s commercial relations with the GCC are regulated through the EU framework, it is through bilateral relations that Greece seeks to build its ties to the Gulf. Until now, the high expectations cultivated on the Greek side have not been fulfilled. Greece’s relations with the GCC countries have remained anemic and investment limited. While a possible Grexit may have initially dampened investors’ interest, the main obstacle continues to be one of domestic nature, reflecting the fragmentation and lack of coordination within Greek institutions themselves.