On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, welcomed the Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte at the Ministry of National Defence during his first visit to Greece in his new role.

Mr. Dendias had a private meeting with Mr. Rutte, followed by extensive talks.

Also present at the welcome and subsequent talks were the Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis, the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the General Director of National Defence Policy & International Relations, Ambassador ad honorem Michel Spinellis.

The meeting included an exchange of views regarding the international and regional developments, focusing on Ukraine and the Eastern Mediterranean.

There was also an exchange of views regarding EU – NATO relations, as well as regarding Greece’s relations with NATO member states in the broader region. The Minister of National Defence highlighted the role of Greece as a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, within the framework of International Law and the Law of the Sea.

Finally, the importance of the development of the Defence Industry and Innovation for the Hellenic Armed Forces was stressed.