In his statements to Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, presented the intentions of the new government regarding Defence and Foreign Policy, talking about a strong Greece at the geopolitical level, as a pillar of stability and a dynamic energy hub of the region.

Specifically, the Prime Minister referred to the following:

• The continuation of armament programs already approved (Rafale, Viper, FDI HN).
• Next comes the supply of F-35 fighters which the US Congress responded positively to. The fighters shall join the service in 2028.
• More positive news about the defence reinforcement is expected soon based on the interstate agreements that have been signed.
• Upgrading of the national defence industry, with an emphasis on shipyards as well as in Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) where a strategic investor is sought.
• There is a great opportunity for the Hellenic Defence Systems to produce the required ammunition because of Ukraine and European needs.
• The Evros fence is to be completed by 2025.
• The Hellenic Coast Guard continues to be bolstered with people and resources to protect borders and rescue people.
• Greece was present in the deepening of the European common policy.
• A country with national self-confidence can assert its national rights by boldly exploiting every favorable moment.
• “We should not negotiate with fear, but neither should we be afraid to negotiate.” This applies to the only difference with Turkey, namely the delimitation of the continental shelf/EEZ in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
• Since the incidents with Turkey, Greece prefers to have good relations, even if they agree to disagree. But Greece will not turn its back on History if it has the opportunity to settle this unique frozen dispute. The position remains fixed: Appeal to The Hague based on International law and the Law of the Sea.
• The National Goal is to return the Parthenon Sculptures to their homeland, in the Acropolis Museum.

Also read: Christodoulidis – Mitsotakis | Supreme Cooperation Council of Cyprus – Greece