Greece and the US sign the extension of the Mutual Defense and Cooperation Agreement (MDCA)

On Thursday, Greece’s Foreign Ministry Nikos Dendias and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken signed a five-year Mutual Defense and Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) between Greece and the United States.

The two ministers signed the MDCA at a special ceremony at the Benjamin Franklin diplomatic reception room at the Harry S. Truman Federal Building at the State Department headquarters.

Είχα τη χαρά και την τιμή να υπογράψω την Τροποποίηση της Αμυντικής Συμφωνίας της Ελιληνικής ΔημοκρατςαΗΠΑ με. Μια Συμφωνία που κατοχυρώνει τα ελληνικά συμφέροντα και δημιουργεί μια ασπίδα προστασίας της χώρας μας. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/x1nmjQHDxy

– Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) October 14, 2021

The five-year extension will allow Washington to invest in Greece strategically and geopolitically, Greek diplomatic sources said. Outlining the many aspects of relations between Greece and the United States, Denidas tweeted that the change to the Agreement protects Greece’s interests and creates a protective shield for our country.

The revision of the MDCA we will sign is symbolically and substantially, the foundation of our long-term partnership. We understand that the US is increasingly preoccupied with challenges on other parts of the world. So your commitment to Greece is greatly appreciated. @StateDept pic.twitter.com/RRQ5RKwD7K

– Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) October 14, 2021

During the signing of the agreement, the minister said that “Greece is committed to resolving disputes through diplomacy and always in accordance with international law.” However, he pointed to the fact that Greece “faces provocations on a daily basis and is under the threat of war” if it exercises its sovereign rights. Dendias also spoke about the strong ties that Greece has developed with other countries in the region, including Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and noted the importance of integration in the Western Balkans.

I signed with my US counterpart @SecBlinken the 2nd Protocol of Amendment to the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (#MDCA), opening new prospects for deepening the strategic relationship – rooted in shared values ​​and principles – between 🇬🇷🇺🇸. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/zX2w9TMPRd

– Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) October 14, 2021

“We believe that together, Greece and the United States can become an even more powerful force for peace, prosperity and human dignity,” Blinken said, reaffirming the US commitment to deepening the partnership between the two countries. “This dialogue is an example of how close the friendship between our countries is, and how much we value each other.” He described Greece as “a pillar of stability in the region” and expressed gratitude to Greece for being a strong and reliable ally.

The MDCA will foster defense cooperation between the two countries, including further investment in four bases operated by the US military in Greece. The Greek government plans to submit the new agreement to parliament for ratification next week as the deadline is relatively tight and the current agreement expires on November 6.

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