The bilateral framework of defense cooperation, the possibility of providing training and hospitality in Greece for the Qatar Air Force – which also uses “Rafale” fighters – but also the creation of a cooperation axis with ELKAK and Greek defense innovation, were at the center of the meetings that the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias had in Qatar.

As announced, upon his arrival in Doha he was received by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

Afterwards, the Minister of National Defense went to the newly inaugurated building of the Ministry of Defense of Qatar, where he had a meeting with his counterpart Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani.

The two ministers discussed issues related to regional and international security, the situation in the wider region, bilateral military cooperation and the prospects of strengthening Greece-Qatar cooperation in the field of defense industry.

In the context of the visit, Mr. Dendias visited the complex of the State Defense Industry Company “Barsan Holdings”, the strategic investment arm of the Ministry of Defense of Qatar, where he was given a tour by its managing director and had the opportunity to exchange views with him on the prospect of cooperation with ELKAK in the field of innovation.

In his statements, Mr. Among other things, Dendias pointed out that he informed his counterpart “about the content of the ‘Agenda 2030’, the great effort we are making to reform the Greek Armed Forces”.

“My counterpart and I first discussed the bilateral framework, our defense cooperation. The possibility to provide training and hospitality to the Qatar Air Force, but also to create an axis of cooperation with the effort we are making in ELKAK and Greek defense innovation” underlined the Minister of National Defense.

“We had”, he added, “the opportunity to have a deep discussion about the wider situation in the Middle East, the situation in Syria, the situation in Lebanon after yesterday’s visit of the Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, as well as the situation in Gaza”.

“We discussed”, he continued, “and about the wider possibility that we can from our side, the Greek side, participate and have a constructive role in achieving a framework of peace and stability”.

“Qatar”, noted Mr. Dendias, “is a country that has signed UNCLOS, the International Convention on the Law of the Sea. And I had the opportunity to explain to my interlocutors from Qatar how important UNCLOS and generally reaching an understanding on the basis of International Law and the International Law of the Sea is in international affairs.”