Theodorikakos from the USA: Increasing pressures on immigration, we are taking the appropriate measures |

The next steps that will lead to the next level of the already strong cooperation that Greece has with the USA in the field of security were put on the table during the contacts that the Minister of Civil Protection, Takis Theodorikakos, had in Washington. Mr. Theodorikakos visited the US capital in the wake of the signing of the new Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) and the completion of the third round of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, which includes the strengthening of relations in a number of areas, including internal security is also included.

During the contacts, the excellent level of bilateral relations was confirmed and the next moves that will further enhance security cooperation were discussed. In this light, the importance of stability was underlined and Greece’s strategic regional role for security in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean was highlighted. It is also indicative that in the near future our country will take the initiative for the training of third party police, thus transferring the American know-how it has acquired.

Regarding the issue of migration flows, the Minister of Civil Protection spoke to his American counterpart about the growing pressures on the borders of our country, emphasizing that Greece is taking all appropriate measures in order to be able to respond successfully to any pressure and crisis occur in the area.

Meeting with the US Secretary of Homeland Security @AliMayorkasWe agreed to strengthen co-operation in the areas of illegal immigration, border security, cybersecurity, domestic violence, tackling organized crime & terrorism pic.twitter.com/58ivY9frsK

– Τάκης Θεοδωρικήκος (@theodorikakosp) November 11, 2021

The Greek side considers that the cooperation with the USA in the field of security can prove to be particularly beneficial both through the direct exchange of information and through the various co-education programs. As Mr. Theodorikakos explained, “for this purpose, we agreed to intensify and upgrade the joint training of our service personnel, especially in the areas of information exchange, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism. And of course our cooperation concerns and expands in the field of dealing with illegal immigration “.

After the meetings he had with high-ranking officials of the Biden government, Mr. Theodorikakos noted that “Greece and the United States have a very strong strategic relationship in the field of security. We share the same values ​​and work closely and effectively for security and stability in the volatile region of the south-eastern Mediterranean with the common goal of tackling organized crime, terrorism and illegal immigration. “I met with my counterpart, the Minister of Internal Security, Alejandro Mallorca, to discuss the further upgrade of our strategic cooperation, as well as the need for Greece to have a strategic regional role in the Balkans and in the southeastern Mediterranean in the field of security.”

Earlier, Mr. Theodorikakos had the opportunity to visit the State Department, where he met with the acting Deputy Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Timothy Pounds. He then went to the Department of Homeland Security, where he had a bilateral meeting with his American counterpart, Alejandro Mallorca. After the meeting, the Secretary of Civil Protection visited the US Department of Justice, where he met with Deputy Assistant Attorney General and International Relations Advisor Bruce Swartz.

Today, @SecMayorkas met with Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Takis Theodorikakos in Washington. They discussed ways in which they can work together to address irregular migration, strengthen border security and cybersecurity, and combat domestic violent extremism. pic.twitter.com/zuNsLU8pmz

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) November 10, 2021

The Program of Thursday

The Greek minister will honor “Veterans Day”, which is a national holiday of the USA. Therefore, his program will begin on Thursday morning with the laying of a wreath at the “First Infantry Division Monument”, where it is located near the White House. The laying of a wreath at the specific monument was organized by the Army Association, which will be represented by Colonel and member of AHEPA Nick Vamvakias.

The Greek delegation will then leave for Arlington National Cemetery, where Mr. Theodorikakos will lay a wreath in memory of the Greek-Americans who fell at the grave of George Dilboy, known in the US as “George Dilboy”. George Dilvois was a Greek immigrant who fought with the US Army and was killed heroically during World War I. In fact, he is considered the first Greek-American to be honored with the highest military Medal of Honor by the US Congress for his bravery. On Thursday afternoon, the Minister of Civil Protection will leave for New York, where he will hold meetings with representatives of the Greek community.