The Minister of National Defence Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos participated today in the session of NATO Defence Ministers, which took place in Brussels, in the framework of the NATO Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs Meeting. Following the conclusion of the session, Mr. Avramopoulos made the following statement:

“The NATO Defence Ministers Meeting concluded its works. As it was expected, what prevailed was the questioning on how much will the generalised world financial crisis affect the function and the goals of NATO, as well as of its member-states’ defence systems.

Greece, despite the fact that we are experiencing difficult times, maintains one of the most effective defence systems and actively participates in all the procedures of international organizations.

In view of the Chicago Summit next month, where very important decisions will be taken concerning the role of NATO in the new facts shaped globally, our country is present with stands and views, mutually forming with the other countries the new policy of the Atlantic Alliance.

What I had the chance of pointing out during the works, was that Greece remains a significant stability and security agent in the broader area, with efficient Armed Forces and with a policy serving the higher goals of international organizations, concerning security, peace and cooperation in the broader region”.

On the sidelines of the Meeting’s works, Mr. Avramopoulos met with his Turkish counterpart Mr. Ismet Yilmaz.