N. Panagiotopoulos: The climate of tension created by Turkey undermines the cohesion of NATO

The participation of Greek and Estonian military personnel in mutually beneficial training programs and activities organized at the military training facilities of the two countries, the security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Baltic region and the developments in Ukraine, following the unprovoked Russian invasion, were found at the center of the meeting of the Ministers of National Defense of the two countries, Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Hanno Pevkur (Hanno Pevkur) in Athens.

The Ministers of National Defense of Greece and Estonia reiterated their solidarity and willingness to assist and support Ukraine in every possible way.

Estonia’s aid to Ukraine so far amounts to about 245 million euros, which is almost 30% of our defense budget, but we are thinking of increasing it in the coming weeks, Mr. Pevkur informed.

Referring to the security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mr. Panagiotopoulos underlined that the climate of tension that Turkey is unfortunately creating undermines security and stability in our region and the cohesion of NATO.

Also, the Minister of National Defense, after repeating the need “to create strong alliances with friendly countries, based on the rules of International Law and the principle of good neighborly relations”, noted that the visit of the Estonian counterpart provided him with the opportunity for a more complete understanding of threats and challenges faced by the two countries and the strengthening of their cooperation to effectively deal with them.

Estonia attaches great importance to the security of the Mediterranean and we are committed to safeguarding peace and security in the Alliance. “Solidarity and unity among Allies is extremely important and our efforts in the South, East and North support each other on Alliance Security issues,” said Mr. Pevkur. Finally, the Estonian Minister of National Defense noted that on May 6, Estonia and Greece completed one hundred years of diplomatic relations.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of National Defense Nikos Hardalias, the head of the GHET, General Konstantinos Floros, the head of the General Staff, Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis, the head of the General Staff, Vice Admiral Themistocles Bourolias and the deputy head of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kellis, representing the absent leader.

Source: RES-MPE