Greek-American lawmakers Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus and Nicole Malliotakis are promoting further defense cooperation between Greece and the United States through a bipartisan legislative initiative with a bill they introduced yesterday in Congress. The US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act aims to extend the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program for Greek armed forces for five years, thereby further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Gus Bilirakis: Greece has long been a reliable NATO ally
Presenting the bill, Republican Representative Gus Bilirakis stated that “Greece has long been a reliable NATO ally, consistently meeting its defense spending commitments and serving as a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This legislation builds on our existing defense cooperation by strengthening joint military training, expanding security assistance, and enhancing our collective ability to address emerging threats. In an era of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever to stand with trusted partners like Greece. This bill underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting peace, deterring aggression, and advancing regional security. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance this important legislation and continue strengthening the bonds between our two nations for generations to come.”
Chris Pappas: Greece is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean
Democratic Representative Chris Pappas argued that “Greece is a stable democratic ally of the United States, a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and an essential partner in ensuring regional security and prosperity. IMET assistance enhances cooperation, training, and interoperability between our Armed Forces, a critical component of our bilateral relationship.”
Greek-American Dina Titus, Democratic Representative and House member, is the third lawmaker to sign the relevant bill and argued that “the diplomatic relationship and defense cooperation between the United States and Greece are too important to overlook. I am proud to participate alongside my Greek colleagues in supporting the US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, aimed at ensuring regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Vice Chair of the Greek-American Congressional Caucus Nicole Malliotakis referred to the need for stability and peace in the region, emphasizing that: “As instability persists throughout the Middle East, threats from Iran continue, and Turkey continues its illegal flights over Greek islands and aggression toward neighboring Cyprus, strong cooperation between the United States and Greece is critical to promoting peace, deterrence, and collective defense.”
The legislative initiative by the Greek-American community has particular significance as it comes during the critical period of escalation in the Middle East, and defense cooperation between Greece and the US contributes to further strengthening security in the Mediterranean region.
