Panagiotopoulos: “Our country’s desire is permanent enlargement with Turkey”

Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos, during his upcoming visit to Turkey, spoke to MEGA and revealed the background to the visit, while also mentioning his contacts with Hulusi Akar.

“A few days ago, as part of the exchange of messages of condolence and the devastating earthquake in Turkey, but because of the tragedy of Tempe, my counterpart suggested that we visit the earthquake-affected areas. They did not reject this proposal, but before Easter and the pre-election period, a suitable date should be found for us and Turkish. .We will finally choose next Tuesday and visit the earthquake affected areas”.

Their goal was to send a symbolic message, while tensions in bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey are now clear, Mr. Panagiotopoulos emphasized that it is our country’s desire that this expansion acquire a permanent character.

“We are proceeding on our own terms, but we will see it as a window of communication. I am not going to Turkey to resolve all our differences, but I am going to help send a message. Some things, like natural disasters and tragedies, are beyond political contests, even at the local level, and they tend to de-escalate. “He said.

“Our job is to intensify the effort to increase the country’s deterrence. Deterrence is not the same as defense, it’s an effort to discourage the adversary. That’s how you do it; with strong armed forces. We continue to work hard to equip the armed forces so that they can do their job to the best of their ability.he said.

“First F-35s in Greece in 2028”

Regarding the purchase of F-35, the Minister of National Defense commented that it was a decision taken by the Greek government and with the agreement of the US government, the project is progressing.

“We’re entering a new era for the armed forces, with incredible possibilities for communicating with other media.”Commented.

As Nikos Panagiotopoulos told Mega, the first F-35s are expected to arrive in our country in 2028.

For Turkey and F-16s

The minister opined that it is a difficult time for Turkey to acquire F-16s.

“Some circles in the US State Department may give a positive sign in this direction, but in the end there are strong voices like Robert Menendez who are very influential and involved. There is still a way to go.”he said.

Then Nikos Panagiotopoulos noted Greece’s progress, stressing that for two years our country has already started developing its own F-16s.

Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, Nikos Panagiotopoulos said communication and dialogue between the two countries are important factors.

“There has to be communication and dialogue and we must not retreat from national positions. Dialogue is not about giving away our sovereign rights or challenging them in practice. We are asking all of us to act according to the rules.”

“I think it’s simple, I believe that we should discuss, so that we never come to a conclusion, but in any case communication, the clash of ideas and arguments and strengthen the belief that we are.” Doomed to live in a single geographic location. It is better not to live on the basis of conflict that reaches extreme tension, but to settle our differences and settle.he said.

Tempi and the next election day

For Nikos Panagiotopoulos, ND is capable of moving the country forward the day after the election.

“It has never been an easy task to tackle the symptoms and move towards a new, efficient, modern, and deep level of operation”he said.

Referring to Tembi, he argued that the support measures announced by the government were a sign of the government’s intention to provide relief to the relatives of the victims.

“No one can ease the pain of the loss of the families, even the measures enacted for their financial and psychological support”, Commented.

According to the minister, the government is working in two directions. On the one hand, it aims to complete investigations in order to assign responsibilities, and on the other hand, to treat the pathology of the organization.