The Minister of National Defense participated in the meeting of NATO Defense Ministers, held in Brussels, from February 14 to 15 Nikos Panagiotopoulos.

As announced, during the first informal meeting, the Minister of National Defense underlined the pivotal importance of the port of Alexandroupoli for the security of the supply of the South East Wing of NATO.

He also stressed that, at this stage of the war, the need to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces becomes imperative.

He also pointed out that Greece will actively participate in the immense work of the International Community for it reconstruction of Ukrainewhile underlining that our country will provide military and humanitarian aid for as long as it is required.

For NATO’s defense enhancement and deterrence, he emphasized the importance of a 360-degree approach, underscoring our country’s multidimensional contribution to the Alliance.

He expressed his belief that the Finland and Sweden will be present at the upcoming Summit in Vilnius, as members of the Alliance.

He welcomed NATO’s initiative to coordinate and support the protection of undersea infrastructure, in accordance with the International Law of the Sea, while stating that Greece fulfills its alliance obligations by keeping its defense spending above the limit of 2% of GDP and investments for acquisition of weapon systems, Research and Development over 20%.

He also did not fail to express his condolences to Turkey, for the human losses and the devastating consequences of the earthquake in the neighboring country, underlining that Greece immediately offered its assistance in the rescue work.

On the sidelines of the session, the Minister of National Defense held bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Defense of Germany Boris Pistorius, France Sebastian Lecorny and Bulgaria Dimitar Stoyanov, during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.