Today, Wednesday 14 April 2021, the Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nikos Dendias participated in the emergency joint NATO meeting of Foreign and Defence Ministers, held via video-teleconfertence at the General Staffs Chiefs’ Council Hall at the Ministry of National Defence.
The main topic of the meeting was the developments in Afghanistan and the timetable of the withdrawal of the Allied forces deployed there.
During his statement the Minister of National Defence highlighted the importance of the orderly withdrawal of the Allied Forces in a manner that will safeguard their safety until all forces have withdrawn. He also stressed the importance of continuing NATO’s commitment, if so required, for the stability of the country and the wider region.
Mr. Panagiotopoulos pointed out the importance of diplomatic initiatives so that Afghanistan will not turn into a terrorist haven, a fact that will trigger migration flows to the West and shall overturn the progress marked by the establishment of institutions.
Concluding, the Minister highlighted that Greece is fully aware of the risks in Afghanistan and shall participate constructively in discussions pertaining to the future role of NATO in this country.
