A draft law ratifying a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Greece and Saudi Arabia on scientific and technological cooperation passed its first reading on Monday in Parliament's Standing Committee on Production and Trade.

It is named "Ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the Hellenic Republic and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia related to the scientific and technological cooperation," and it passed on ruling New Democracy and on SYRIZA votes.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Nea Aristera, and Plefsi Eleftherias voted against it. All the other parties reserved judgment until the debate in plenary.

Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis said the bill relates to significant capital investment in innovation and "offers truly unique opportunities" in the scientific and business community of Greece. It will also contribute to "strengthening the political and geopolitical ties with a key country of the wider region," he added.

PASOK said it would support the MoU, although it did not provide specifics on scientific sectors of joint interest and on prioritized sectors, cutting-edge sectors (like AI), and renewable energy sources, while it was vague on the funding of actions.

SYRIZA said that Saudi Arabia's stance raised strong issues, but the MoU's ratification pointed to a positive direction, while KKE highlighted the issue of the country's war against Yemen and its record on human rights, particularly as they pertain to women and children.