The bipartisan U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, which reauthorizes for five years U.S. assistance to Greece through the International Military Education and Training program, known as IMET, has received the approval of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The bill, introduced by Congressmen Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus and Nicole Malliotakis, co-chairs and vice chairs of the Congressional Greek Affairs Caucus, aims to enhance military training, cooperation and interoperability between the United States Armed Forces and Greece.
Chris Pope described Greece as an “indispensable partner” of the United States in ensuring regional security and prosperity, noting that assistance through IMET is a “critical element” of the bilateral relationship. He said he would continue to push for passage of the bill to strengthen cooperation with Greece and protect U.S. security interests.
For his part, Gus Bilirakis stressed that the United States and Greece maintain a strong and enduring partnership based on a shared commitment to democracy, security, and regional stability. He stressed that Greece remains a “reliable ally in NATO” and a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Dina Titus said that the diplomatic relationship and defense partnership between the United States and Greece are too important to be overlooked, and expressed her intention to support the bill when it comes up for a vote in the House.
Nicol Malliotaki noted that the advancement of the bill by the Foreign Affairs Committee confirms the strong partnership with Greece, which she described as a critical partner for security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. He added that strengthening U.S.-Greece defense cooperation is now “more important than ever.”
The bill is supported by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).
According to its sponsors, the IMET appropriations for Greece help meet the increased training needs of the Greek Armed Forces and create contacts between American and Greek officers. At the same time, they are part of a broader framework of U.S. policy that recognizes Greece as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and a strategic ally in NATO’s eastern and southern wings.
