On behalf of the Greek government, the Mitsotakis government, I would like to welcome the overwhelming and bipartisan passage of the US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act.
The “U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021” is now a U.S. law.
I would especially like to express our gratitude to the friends of Greece, to the friends of peace, stability and security, Senators Bob Menendez and Marco Rubio, as well as Congressmen Ted Deutch and Gus Bilirakis.
The adoption of this Act, following the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, is another important step in deepening the strategic relationship between Greece and the USA.
A relationship that our government considers a key priority and has been cultivating since taking office.
The key provisions of this new Act are, inter alia, the following:
1. The funds of the European Recapitalization Incentive Program of the USA are to be allocated to the greatest extent to Greece in order to meet its defence needs.
2. Funding to Greece for the procurement of defence equipment.
3. The President of the USA is authorized to expedite delivery of any future F–35 aircraft to Greece.
4. Funding for the Greek Armed Forces’ military education and training.
5. The establishment of an Interparliamentary Group in the framework of the Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the USA 3+1 format in order to deepen this relationship with a legislative component, in which six US Senators will participate.
I am particularly pleased that the systematic efforts we have made as the Government of the Hellenic Republic and as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deepen relations with the United States, is now bearing fruit and tangible results. This Act reflects the strategic importance that the United States attaches to our country. Particularly in terms of ensuring the prosperity of the Greek people.
At the same time, it broadens the prospects for the deepening of the defence cooperation at a level unrivalled by any other country in our region.
Furthermore, it is thereby recognized once again that Greece has a say and a role in the developments regarding stability in the wider region.
Concluding, I would like to thank primarily those who have contributed and continue to contribute, both in Athens and in Washington, to the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Greece and the United States; especially the US Ambassador to Athens, Geoffrey Pyatt, and the Greek Ambassador to Washington, Alexandra Papadopoulou.