The Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulosmet today, Tuesday 19 July 2022, with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate, Senator Mr. Robert Menendez (Robert Menendez).

During the meeting, the broadening and deepening the Strategic Defense Relationship between Greece and the USA, the war in Ukraine, the security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and wider geopolitical security challenges.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos acknowledged the decisive role of Mr. Menendez in the expansion of the bilateral defense cooperation between Greece and the USA and in the promotion of important issues for Greece and the Greek-American community.

Mr. YETHA also referred to his upgraded role Port of Alexandroupolis, especially to provide support to Ukraine and the transfer of personnel and assets to NATO’s Eastern flank.

Mr. Minister highlighted it provocative and delinquent behavior of Turkey, which with overflights over Greek islands and frequent statements about the demilitarization of the islands, creates tension in the region in violation of International Law. In addition, he referred to the efforts to reduce tensions and the legislative initiative of the US House of Representatives on the issue of selling fighter aircraft to Turkey and upgrading the Turkish F-16.

This morning the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, had a meeting with think tank officials Rand Corporationwhile this afternoon he is going to meet with Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, Senator Mr. Jack Reed (Jack Reed)with the member of the Defense Committee of the House of Representatives, MP Mr. Mike Rogers (Mike Rogers)with its member Congressional Caucus on Hellenic IssuesMember of Parliament Mr. Gas Bilirakis (Gus Bilirakis) and with its Executive Director Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), K. Eddie Zemenidis (Andy Zemenides).