Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who held talks with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Menassa and President Joseph Aoun on Friday, also met with Patriarch John X of Antioch at Balamand.
Greece expressed support for Lebanon’s efforts to restructure its armed forces during a visit to Beirut on Friday by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who held talks with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Menassa and President Joseph Aoun.
Dendias also met with Patriarch John X of Antioch at Balamand, offering condolences for the recent massacre of Greek Orthodox worshippers at the Prophet Elias Church in neighboring Syria.
He reaffirmed Athens’ support for the Antioch Patriarchate and Syria’s Greek Orthodox community, pledging continued advocacy at international forums, including the EU.
Dendias led a large Greek delegation from the Defense and Foreign Ministries. His visit reflects Greece’s ongoing engagement with regional actors who share its strategic interests.
Greece, while aligned with EU policy, remains concerned about the situation in Syria, citing the inability of authorities to restrain jihadist militias responsible for attacks on Christian communities.
Athens also coordinates closely with strategic partner Israel and maintains ties with Saudi Arabia, the only regional power with significant leverage in Damascus – viewed by Greece as a counterbalance to Ankara.
Greece has approved the transfer of 13 US-made M113 armored personnel carriers to Lebanon and will train Lebanese troops.
Beirut has requested familiar systems, and Athens has offered spare parts for Lebanon’s UH-1 Huey helicopters. Greece will also provide four decommissioned Hueys and additional military trucks and vehicles.