The Alternate Minister of National Defence Dimitris Vitsas, during his official visit to Washington, inaugurated the Greek pavilion at AUSA 2016 Annual Meeting and Exposition on Monday, October 3, 2016. The inauguration was also attended by Major General Georgios Kampas, Director of D’ Branch of HAGS, who represented the Chief of HAGS. The Alternate Minister had a number of meetings with cadres of companies of the defence industry sector.

The purpose of his meetings was the promotion of the Greek defence industry in the international markets and the establishment of cooperation with other relevant companies. This exposition is a top event in the field of defence industry and it is held annually hosting with the participation of specialists and of more than 600 exhibitor companies, including also Greek defence industry. Greece participates for the third time.

On Tuesday, October 4, the Alternate Minister visited the U.S. Department of Defence (Pentagon) where he met Elissa Slotkin (Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Affairs) and attended a briefing held by representatives of the DIA (Defence Intelligence Agency). During the meetings, the developments in the wider area of the Eastern Mediterranean were discussed and the role of Greece as a security and stability factor in this area was highlighted. He also met the president of the American Hellenic Institute, where the role of the Greek community in the USA and its contribution in promoting issues pertinent to the cooperation of the two countries was discussed.

On Wednesday, October 5, he will have a meeting with the Director of the DSCA (Defence Security Cooperation Agency) Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey and Alan Estevez (Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), as well as a number of other schedules meetings.

On Thursday, October 6, he will visit the Greek Embassy. During his stay in the USA he will give a press conference to the reporters of the Greek media, as well as to US media.