Greece and U.S. are discussing changes in the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement

Greece and the United States are discussing changes to the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which could be approved in the Autumn, according to a spokesman for the Greek Foreign Ministry.

When asked about the preparation of a new agreement on U.S. bases, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said "Changes are being discussed with the American side, negotiations are continuing."

"We hope that the negotiations will be completed in the near future and the agreements will be signed during a meeting in the fall," he continued.

At the same time, he stressed that these are not the American bases that existed in Greece during the Cold War, but a "different context."

He also said that Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias' visit to the U.S. to meet with his new U.S. counterpart will not take place at this time due to pandemic restrictions.

"The State Department has issued general instructions banning all foreign delegations from visiting," he explained.

Under the current circumstances, it is difficult to discuss visits, not only by the foreign minister, but in general," the spokesman added.

It is recalled that in October 2019, Greece and the U.S. signed the revised Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement.

This agreement provides for the extension of U.S. bases in Greece, as well as the possibility for the Americans to use any military installation in the country.

The Greek Foreign Minister, speaking in Parliament in October 2020, announced that Greece intends to expand the defence agreement with the U.S.

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