Defence Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos meets with Slovakia’s Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad

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Defence Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos meets with Slovakia's Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad

June 3, 2022

The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulostravelled to Bratislava, on 02 June 2022, in an official visit following an invitation by his Slovak counterpart Mr. Jaroslav Nad.

During the meeting, it was underscored that Greece and Slovakia have a strong and long friendship and, as close partners in the E.U. and allies in NATO, they share the same vision, the same values and the same perspective regarding the stability and the prosperity in the wider region.

The two Ministers agreed to reinforce the defence cooperation to the benefit of the Armed Forces of both countries and to consider fields of mutually beneficial activities between the defence industries.

They also discussed the war in Ukraine which undermines the European security and calls the stability in Europe into question, whereas they confirmed their solidarity and decisiveness to continue their steadfast support to Ukraine in every possible manner.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos and Mr. Nad stressed that both countries condemn every revisionist action, which have become an important threat to Euro-atlantic security and challenge the International Law and the fundamental values on which the European security architecture has been based.

As partners in the European Union and NATO allies, they agreed on the need of a close cooperation and a mutually supportive cooperation between the two Organisations, taking into consideration the new security environment.

Moreover, they discussed the defence priorities of both countries and their efforts to increase their defence budgets and modernize their defence capabilities.

The Minister of National Defence underscored that defence expenses should not be subject to EU rules on public deficit, for this objective to be achieved, and national financial policies should align with the current security needs and the geopolitical environment.

The two Ministers discussed also the security situation in Eastern Mediterranean where tensions intensified recently due to challenges and unilateral actions against Greece, in violation of International Law.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos stated that the excellent result of today's meeting reflects the strong willingness of the Greek and Slovakian governments to reinforce the defence cooperation between the two countries.