Greek parliament ratifies defence pact change on eve of MItsotakis visit to the U.S.

Greece’s parliament endorsed the renewal and revision of a defence cooperation agreement with the United States on Thursday, days before Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visits Washington.

Mistotakis has planned to meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday and the two leaders are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and tensions in the Mediterranean.

The U.S.-Greece Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), first signed in 1990, allows U.S. forces to train and operate in Greek territory.

The latest amendment agreed in 2021, extends the partnership by allowing the presence of U.S. forces in four more military areas, including two army camps in central and northern Greece and a naval base on the island of Crete.