Greece and France are expected to finalise an updated military cooperation agreement within the next one to two months, including a mutual defence clause, officials said on Thursday, January 29.
Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said the revised agreement would provide for mutual defence assistance, enhanced military cooperation and collaboration in the defence industry. He said talks were being accelerated ahead of its signing.
Greece is also seeking to expand joint military exercises with France and is holding discussions on cooperation in air defence, missile defence, satellites, unmanned systems and electronic warfare.
Dendias made the comments after meeting French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin during a visit to Greece’s newly delivered French-built Kimon FDI frigate.
He confirmed the four Kimon-class frigates ordered by Greece will be upgraded to carry strategic weapons, describing the programme as central to safeguarding Greece’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.
Vautrin said the partnership strengthens stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, stressing that both countries remain committed to preventing tensions and defending their rights through close defence cooperation.
Source: Ekathimerini.
