Hormuz signal from Athens: We can participate under favorable conditions

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Yerapetritis spoke at a joint press conference after his bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the capital Athens on the occasion of the 6th round of the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue.

Yerapetritis noted that issues such as defense cooperation, energy, regional developments and bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting.

Pointing out that Rubio's visit to Athens coincided with a period of intense international instability, Yerapetritis said that Greece wanted to deepen its strategic relationship with the USA.

Stating that the activities of US energy companies in Greece were also discussed during the meeting, Yerapetritis stated that the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement forms the basis of the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense.

Yerapetritis argued that the Suda Base on Crete Island and Dedeağaç are important for the US's strategic presence in the region, and said that Greece's modernization of F-16 Viper type warplanes and the addition of F-35 aircraft to its inventory indicate the defense cooperation between the two countries.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Stating that the developments in the Middle East, Ukraine and Africa were also discussed during the meeting, Yerapetritis stated that Greece attaches great importance to freedom of navigation.

Yerapetritis noted that any disruptions in maritime transportation could cause problems in the supply chain and even lead to a food crisis.

Pointing out that Greece spent more on defense than NATO predicted, Ierapetritis reminded that his country also participated in the naval operations of the European Union (EU).

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Yerapetritis said, "If necessary, if conditions allow and there is a sustainable peace process, we can cooperate with the USA to provide the necessary naval power in the Strait of Hormuz." he said.

Yerapetritis claimed that the 3+1 formula cooperation between Greece, Israel, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) and the USA has evolved from a cooperation in the field of energy to a strong and versatile geopolitical formation.

Noting that Greece has a strategic relationship with Israel, Yerapetritis stated that they agree with Rubio on the necessity of bringing peace to the region on issues related to the Middle East.

Emphasizing that the peace process in Gaza should move to the second stage, permanent peace should be achieved and Gaza should be restructured, Yerapetritis said, "Actions in the West Bank that create conditions that will prevent a solution in line with the UN Security Council decisions should end." he said.