Defense minister says dialogue with Greece important after meeting counterpart

Photo: AA

Türkiye's National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Thursday met with his counterpart from Greece, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, as part of NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.

During the meeting at NATO's headquarters, the duo discussed regional defense and security issues.

Commenting on the meeting, Akar said, "I told my counterpart it is important to hold such meetings more often and increase bilateral dialogue."

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The minister also met with his counterparts from the US, Germany, France and the UK.

During his meetings, Akar stressed that Türkiye, as a member of NATO for over 70 years and with the second largest army, contributed greatly to the Euro-Atlantic security and that export restrictions on Türkiye weakened Euro-Atlantic security.

Touching on Türkiye's support for Ukraine and efforts to ensure a cease-fire, Akar also stressed the importance of diplomacy with regard to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

His counterparts thanked Akar for Türkiye's active role in achieving the grain corridor deal, the solution to the global food crisis and the role it played in the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.

Bilateral, regional defense and security issues and cooperation in the defense industry were also discussed during his meetings. (VK)