FM Dendias to visit US on Oct 14 to sign renewed defence cooperation agreement

Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias is expected to travel to the United States, probably on October 14, to sign the renewed Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, foreign ministry spokesperson Alexandros Papaioannou said on Wednesday during a briefing.

Dendias will also participate in the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, which will take place for the first time with a physical presence after October 2019, when it was held in Athens. He is also expected to meet with his US counterpart, Anthony Blinken.

Regarding the agreement, Papaioannou pointed out that "a request has been submitted by the American side that it have a five-year duration, something that we certainly view positively, in the context of excellent bilateral relations, but also with the prospect of stability."

He noted that negotiations continue between the foreign and defence ministries of both countries.

Papaioannou also pointed out that Dendias' contacts, both in Athens and abroad, are part of a strategy, whose "common goal and vision is always to ensure security, prosperity in the wider region, both in the Western Balkans and in the wider Mediterranean and Middle East region."

"It is about strengthening strategic and partnership relations with our traditional allies and partners, both within the EU and, of course, with the United States," he stated.

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