Nikos Dendias strengthens defense ties with U.S. and Egypt

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias held high-level meetings to strengthen strategic defense ties with both the United States and Egypt.

In a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the two officials formalized a new defense partnership. This includes the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to integrate the Greek Armed Forces into the U.S. State Partnership Program (SPP) through a connection with the Florida National Guard. Dendias noted that this agreement is a cornerstone of the “Agenda 2030” initiative, aimed at reforming the Greek military and enhancing expertise, joint exercises, and reserve management. Rubio praised Greece as a “predictable ally” and a “pillar of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting Greece's significant defense investment of nearly 5% of its GDP.

Additionally, Dendias met with the Egyptian Ambassador, Mourad Youssry Mourad, to discuss bilateral strategic defense cooperation and the geopolitical security situation in the broader region. This meeting follows a recent trilateral defense meeting between Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt held in Cairo.