The Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos took part today, Thursday 16 June, in the NATO Defense Ministers’ Meeting held in Brussels.

When discussing for adapting NATO’s deterrent and defense provision The Minister expressed the need to strengthen the eastern wing of the Alliance, given the developments in Ukraine.

He stressed the importance of defense reinforcement and deterrence in a 360-degree approach, emphasizing our country’s multidimensional contribution to NATO, highlighting the strategic value of the port of Alexandroupolis, for the strengthening forces of the eastern wing of the Alliance, as well as energy supply of our country and NATO missions in the region.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos also referred to the contribution of the Center of Excellence for Unified Anti-Aircraft and Missile Defense (IAMD CoE) to enhance the effectiveness of NATO’s integrated air defense and missile defense system.

Regarding the burden-sharing, joint financing and implementation of commitments, the Minister of National Defense stated that Greece, by maintaining its defense expenditures above the limit of 2% of GDP and investments in main defense equipment over 20%, participates actively in NATO operations and missions and fulfills its obligations to the fullest. He also pointed out that the new geopolitical and geo-economic conditions, due to the sanctions imposed on Russia, which are applied by our country, make it necessary to carefully manage the Alliance’s res, in order to avoid additional financial burden on the CM.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Panagiotopoulos had meetings with the German Defense Ministers. Christine Lambrecht (Christine Lambrecht)of France Mr. Sebastian Lecorny (Sebastien Lécornu)of Italy Mr. Lorenzo Guerini (Lorenzo Guerini)of Bulgaria Mr. Dragomir Zakov (Dragomir Ζakov) and Montenegro Mr. Rasko Konievic (Rasko Konjevic)during which developments in Ukraine, the security situation in the eastern Mediterranean and the further strengthening of bilateral defense cooperation were discussed.

A short conversation was also held with the Turkish Minister of Defense, Mr. Hulusi Akar underlining the importance of maintaining open channels of communication in the spirit of good neighborly relations and focusing on a positive agenda that will contribute to building a better climate and to bilateral and regional cooperation.

The Minister of National Defense stressed, in this context, the importance of reducing tensions.