Greece hopeful for further positive steps in defense cooperation with US

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greece remains hopeful about further positive steps in the defense cooperation with the US, according to a statement by the Greek Prime Minister’s Office following Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting Saturday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During the meeting at the former’s house in the Crete’s city of Chania, the parties discussed the overall state of excellent relations, said the statement.

“There will be further positive steps in the field of defense cooperation in the coming period,” it said.

In the framework of regional and global matters which were also discussed, Mitsotakis expressed his growing concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and risks that the crisis could expand, with all that it implies for regional stability and security, according to the statement.

The Greek premier reiterated the need for an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and underlined that the solution can only be political, based on the two-state solution under UN resolutions.

“The Prime Minister reiterated Greece's firm and timeless position in favor of the peaceful resolution of disputes and good neighborly relations based on International Law, principles that ensure regional stability and security,” according to the statement.

Earlier Saturday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis reiterated the country’s interest in buying F-35, all-weather advanced stealth fighter jets, from the US and announced that there could be concrete developments during the Mitsotakis-Blinken meeting.