Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias today to discuss the close U.S.-Greece bilateral defense relationship, Greek contributions to security in the Red Sea, and Greece's continuing support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing brutal assault.

During the call, Secretary Austin thanked Minister Dendias for the upgraded basing partnership between Greece and the United States that has enabled crisis planning in light of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as well as strategic access that has bolstered deterrence and defense of NATO's Eastern Flank.

The Secretary also praised Greece for their efforts to protect maritime commerce in the Red Sea by hosting the operational command for the EU's ASPIDES mission and contributing frigates to ASPIDES and Operation Prosperity Guardian. The leaders also discussed international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The Secretary thanked Greece for their continued materiel and training support to Ukraine and Minister Dendias' participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.