Today, Friday 10 July 2026, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, met with a delegation of the United States Congress visiting Athens, led by Senator Roger F. Wicker and consisting of Senator John Cornyn and Representatives Joe Wilson, Lloyd Doggett, Andy Harris, Marc Veasey, Greg Murphy, and Jake Ellzey.

During the meeting at the Ministry of National Defence, the two sides discussed matters pertaining to the enhancement of the Greece – US strategic defence partnership and its importance for stability in the broader region.

In particular, the Minister of National Defence raised the issue of the acquisition of the F-35 by Turkey and its impact on security and stability in the broader region. Furthermore, he provided a briefing on the current security situation in the Southeastern Mediterranean and the implementation of the “Agenda 2030”.

Finally, the two sides discussed ways to further enhance the Greece – US strategic defence partnership during a period of increased challenges and tensions.

Welcoming the members of the delegation, Mr. Dendias stated the following:

“It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and to Athens, Greece.

I would like to say that we consider your visit as a testament of the strength of our strategic partnership with the United States, which is a relation that, as you know, is not just founded on common interests, but also on common commitment to peace, security, stability, democracy, human rights, rule of law.

I would like to honestly express to you my sincere appreciation and my government’s appreciation for the long-standing support for Greece and the bipartisan commitment of the United States Congress to the Greek-American strategic partnership. Over the years, this relation has developed.

I’m proud enough to have signed both of the two MDCA agreements as a foreign minister, and I’m so happy that I see them implemented.

Of course, after our presentation, we may discuss a little on the challenges we are facing today, and I will take the liberty of using your presence here today, explain you how we see things from Athens, and ask for your continuation of your kind support.

Again, thank you so much for being here today.”

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Director of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff D Branch, Major General Ioannis Korres, Ambassador Theoharis Lalakos, and the Diplomatic Advisor of the Minister of National Defence, Ambassador Giorgos Arnaoutis.