Athens, 15 December – Greece is actively positioning itself within the evolving strategic landscape defined by the United States under President Donald Trump. Greek officials indicate that Washington’s strategic direction, evident since Trump took office nearly 11 months ago, aligns with the course already anticipated by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government, as outlined in the newly articulated US National Security Strategy.
Greece’s Geopolitical Reorientation: A Focus on the East Med
Policymakers in Athens interpret Washington’s approach as primarily viewing Greece as an extension of the geopolitical sphere of the Middle East and North Africa, particularly the Eastern Mediterranean. This perspective contrasts with a traditional view of Greece as solely tied to the core of the European Union. This reorientation has spurred Athens to forge closer alliances with Washington’s key regional partners: Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Mitsotakis’ Diplomatic Engagements in the Region
Prime Minister Mitsotakis is scheduled to travel to Israel on December 22 for a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This visit will also facilitate the revival of the trilateral format with Cyprus, with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides expected to participate. Additionally, Mitsotakis will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, signaling Athens’ continued support for the Ramallah government.
Deepening Defense and Regional Cooperation
Defense cooperation with Israel is intensifying, with decisions already taken and further agreements anticipated, amounting to nearly €3.5 billion. Concurrently, Greece is expanding what officials describe as highly functional channels with Saudi Arabia, encompassing regional issues and military cooperation. Approximately 100 Hellenic Air Force personnel, along with a Patriot missile battery, remain stationed in the kingdom.
Greek officials believe that aligning with Israel and Saudi Arabia is instrumental in maintaining access to the White House, given the perceived value of these nations as interlocutors for the Trump administration. Athens has responded positively to early US overtures on regional matters, including the Middle East and Ukraine. In these contexts, Greece aims to balance its European interests with the imperative of avoiding exclusion from peace efforts.
Greece’s Stance on International Missions and Humanitarian Aid
Greece has expressed its readiness to contribute to reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and investment initiatives. It has also signaled a willingness to deploy limited non-combat personnel in Ukraine or the Middle East. However, no decision regarding troop deployment has been made. In the Gaza Strip, Greece maintains a periodic presence at the US-led Civil-Military Cooperation Center (CMCC) headquarters in Kiryat Gat. Despite pressure from the US on EU states, Greece has not yet approved joining the International Stabilization Force.
The strategic recalibration underscores Greece’s growing importance in the Eastern Mediterranean, reflecting a broader shift in regional dynamics and international partnerships.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1289724/athens-on-washingtons-new-map/
