Greek FM Gerapetritis Positive on F-35 Acquisition; Relations With US Excellent

Greek-US relations have reached their peak, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Saturday during an interview with Skai TV.

Gerapetritis first referred to a historic address by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at a joint session of the US Congress in 2022 as one of the most prominent milestones in bilateral relations.

Referring to a scheduled meeting on Saturday afternoon between Mitsotakis and visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Chania, Crete, Gerapetritis said Washington “… realizes who is a reliable regional player,” adding that it is a matter of time before the country joins the F-35 program.

He noted that discussions between the two leaders will move along two axes, namely, international developments regarding the two wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as bilateral relations.

With regards to the ongoing conflicts, he noted that there is a risk of hostilities expanding, especially in the Middle East.

“Greece plays an active role in the Middle East,” he said, adding that from the beginning Athens has condemned any act of aggression.

Discussions will also focus on joint cooperation in energy and defense field, including the possible procurement of F-35s by the Hellenic Air Force.

“Greece over the last five years has followed a policy of strengthening its armed forces. The country is gaining a special weight, the upgrading of the armed forces is an important issue,” he underlined, adding that the issue of the F-35 acquisition will also be raised in the meeting with Blinken.

With regards to standing Greek sovereignty, Gerapetritis said such issues will never be discussed or revised, emphasizing that no Greek office-holder and politician will ever raise issues related to national sovereignty. Asked about the Treaty of Lausanne, which official Turkey has indirectly pressed for revisions in its favor, he said that “there is no question of a revision, and there never will be.”

“Greece may be a relatively small country, but it has a large diplomatic capital, which it acquired through a policy of principles,” he said during the interview. Finally, in response to relations with Ankara, he said it is important to live in peace, with no tensions.

Source: tovima.com