An overall overview of Greek-US relations, as well as an exchange of views on international and regional issues, dominated the meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, at Chania, Crete.
The prime minister received Blinken at his home in Chania and after a private meeting, an extended working meeting followed.
During the meeting, an overall overview of Greek-US relations was made and it was confirmed that in the context of the excellent level of their relations, there will be further positive steps in the field of defense cooperation in the coming period.
In addition, Mitsotakis and Blinken exchanged views on international and regional issues with a focus on developments in the Middle East.
Mitsotakis expressed his growing concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the risks of an expanding crisis and its repercussions for regional stability and security.
The prime minister reiterated the need for an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and underlined that the solution can only be political, based on the two-state solution in accordance with UN resolutions.
In the meeting that lasted one hour, Mitsotakis and Blinken also exchanged views on developments in Ukraine and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The prime minister reiterated Greece’s firm and timeless position in favor of the peaceful resolution of disputes and good neighborly relations based on International Law, principles that ensure regional stability and security.
Regarding the armament program and the F-35, government sources told media on Sunday, that “Greece, as a consistent and reliable partner and ally, will receive what has been agreed upon.”
ANT1 TV reported that Blinken reassured the Greek PM that the F-35 program will proceed as planned, however, he did not mention a timetable or whether it will continue to be linked to the F-16 for Turkey.
Blinken arrived in Greece from Turkey as the Us Secretary of State is touring several countries in the Eastern mediterranean and the Middle East.