The Alternate Minister of National Defence Fofi Gennimata met with the Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, who pays an official visit to our country at the Ministry of National Defence today.
The US official was accompanied by the Ambassador of the USA to Athens David D. Pearce whereas the meeting was also attended by the Chief of HNDGS General Michail Kostarakos, the Chief of HAFGS Lieutenant General Evangelos Tournas, the Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis and the Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Christos Manolas.
The Alternate Minister of National Defence also referred to the role that Greece can play at a diplomatic level both in Ukraine and in the Middle East where the situation is critical.
“The rise of Islamic extremists, the overall situation in Syria and Iraq, as well as the impossibility to form a viable government in Libya create spots of war and humanitarian crises. The long critical situation in Palestine exacerbates the problem”, Mrs. Gennimata noted.
She also added:
“Apart from that, the huge problem of Ukraine has also been added. Finding a solution for peace in the region is the only possible action. In this critical environment, Greece has excellent relations with Ukraine and with Russia as well; with Israel and the Arab states as well. It’s a country with leading capabilities, but not with imperial intentions over the Balkans. Greece’s geostrategic position makes it a significant ally for the promotion of peace, stability and security in Eastern Mediterranean and for the achievement of important goals of common interest in the wider area.”
The Alternate Minister of National Defence referred also to the meetings she will have in Washington in October where she will visit the International Defence Industry Exposition AUSA 2014.
On his side, the Secretary of the Army of the USA thanked for the continuous and multifaceted cooperation. He also stressed that the two countries are connected by common values and friendly and historical ties and that due to its strategic position Greece may play a particular role in the developments in the wider area. He absolutely agreed upon the cooperation, not only at a training level, but in defence industry as well, as Mrs. Gennimata set the topic and he invited her to the USA for further discussions.
