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The strengthening of strategic cooperation at the Souda base is marked by the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Chania.
After all, the United States as a whole is in a phase of transferring its defense architecture from the Middle East to the Southeastern Mediterranean, and in these plans the Souda base plays a very crucial role.
In the meetings that Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias had with Mike Pompeo today, they discussed the expansion and deepening of the strategic cooperation that the two countries have. This defense cooperation dates back to the 1980s, the renewal of which was signed last year and provided for the upgrade of the US military footprint in Greece to five bases (Stefanovikeio, Alexandroupoli, Larissa, Souda, Araxos). After its update, it will be seen how the base of Souda will be strengthened, which will not only affect the strengthening of the US presence.
Second naval base in Souda
Recently in Parliament, Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos announced the strengthening of the infrastructure with a new reinforced naval base in Souda, which is a constant request from the Navy to be able to refuel submarines and warships, while also serving a purpose. regular and, because the fleet must be close to a field of interest.
According to Panagiotopoulos, the issue of the port of Souda was also the subject of discussions in Thessaloniki between the Foreign Ministers of Greece and the United States, Nikos Dendias and Mike Pompeo, while members of the Parliament’s Foreign Relations and Defense Committee were also briefed. . during the briefing they were given at the Pentagon.
“It just came to our knowledge then. It exists in our planning, and why circumstances demand it, and why our country must have a presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.” To do this, there must be an improvement and strengthening of the port in Crete. ” the Defense Minister characteristically stated.
In addition, he noted that the ratification of the two agreements reflects the deepening and strengthening of cooperation between Greece and the United States, mainly through the defense agreement.
“In a few days, the next modification of defense cooperation will take place, and I estimate that this was the subject of discussions between the ministers of Greece and the United States, Nikos Dendias and Mike Pompeo,” said Mr. Panagiotopoulos.
“The Americans attach great strategic importance to Souda, but the Greek side also attaches great importance to its improvement and strengthening, something that the current situation requires.” Our country wants to make its presence felt in the Eastern Mediterranean, and this will be done through the update of Souda. Funds have already been allocated for an improved weapons program, with the aim of gradually but substantially improving the infrastructure of the Armed Forces. “Souda is part of our plan, to become an organized and strengthened naval base, to be, permanently, the support of the naval units.”
Mr. Panagiotopoulos defended the two agreements, emphasizing at the same time that the moment of their ratification is not accidental, with the arrival in our country of the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
“It is good to show that the strategic cooperation between the two countries is improving, expanding, strengthening, and it is good to know that this process is also advancing.” The ratification of the two implementation agreements is another argument for us, to tell the secretary State of the United States that this has also been resolved, “he added.
ND, SYRIZA and KINAL voted in favor of the two agreements related to the implementation agreement regarding the mutual supply of aviation and naval fuels, the KKE and MeRA25 voted against, while the Hellenic Solution was reserved to be presented soon in the plenary session of Parliament.
Source: skai.gr, ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
