Panagiotopoulos attends NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels

Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos reiterated Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, at an emergency meeting of NATO defense ministers held in Brussels on Wednesday.

Greece sent out humanitarian aid to Ukraine from the first moment this war unfolded, he noted, and he underlined the country’s concern for the safety of ethnic Greeks in Ukraine.

Greece, he added, continuously contributes to NATO’s strengthening, readiness and response to the Russian threat, and it also contributes to the allies’ planned defense spendingt; it also continues its active participation in NATO operations, missions and activities.

He stressed that Greece supported the mammoth package of sanctions approved by the European Union, in coordination with the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. He also noted the significant cost of these sanctions for NATO allies and EU member states.

Panagiotopoulos also met with his Bulgarian counterpart Dragomir Zakov in the sidelines of the ministerial meeting.