The Mitsotakis government’s decision to not only participate but seek the headquarters of an EU defense operation in the Red Sea and to also assume a portion of the mission’s command essentially confirmed Greece’s “pivot” over recent years towards a deepening strategic relationship with the United States.
The closer Greece-US ties in the wider region are not merely a decision by the current government, in power since 2019, but by the previous leftist SYRIZA government and the earlier ND-PASOK coalition government during the bailout era.
Athens has committed to providing a Hellenic Navy frigate for the EU mission, established to prevent rebel Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and code-named “Aspides”. Greece’s defense minister last week offered to host the operation’s headquarters in the country. Additionally, the Greek armed forces, according to reports this week, will command the land-based portion of the operation, with Italy at the helm of the seaborne maneuvers.
Additionally, the Greek side has said it will retain “contacts” with a US-led operation in the Red Sea, operation “Prosperity Guardian”.
Three main reasons behind Athens’ eagerness to join the western operations in the Red Sea, and the Gulf Aden, include the dominant role and size of the Greek-owned merchant fleet around the world, as well as the negative effect that interruptions in Suez Canal traffic would have on global commerce and its own national economy.
Beyond the maritime factor, the government in Athens has invested significant diplomatic “capital” in “de-linking” its relations with Washington from its often-tense ties with Turkey, deemed as a perennial “difficult” and often belligerent neighbor and fellow NATO member-state on the official level.
A “thaw” in US-Turkey ties, if judged by recent actions and statements out of Athens, will not affect Greece’s relations with Washington, which are elevated on all levels. The Biden administration has approved of noteworthy military assistance to Greece over the recent years, and also signed off on Athens’ desire to purchase the state-of-the-art F-35 warplane.
Meanwhile, in a related development, according to the “VIMAtodotis” column in the Athens weekly “To Vima”, Greek armed forces are also active in defense operations in Saudi Arabia.
Among others, 120 officers and NCOs of the Hellenic Air Force are operating a loaned out “Patriot” anti-aircraft missile system in the Saudi Kingdom, with the intent to protect from Houthi attacks on oil wells and related infrastructure.
Additionally, four Hellenic Air Force F-16s have been dispatched to Saudi Arabia, along with pilots and technical crews, to participate in multinational operations taking place there.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
Attica Wins ‘Best Greek Hospitality Region’ at 2024 Awards
The Greek Hospitality Awards, now in their tenth year, are one of the premier tourism industry events at the European level
Greece Takes Command of EU’s Operation ASPIDES in Red Sea
The defense minister also visited the Greek frigate Spetsai, which is participating in Operation ASPIDES, while in the port of Djibouti
Brain Gain: Returning Greeks Drive Innovation and Growth in IT and Key Sectors
The profile of the returnees to Greece reveals that 67.6% have families, and 52% have children
New Regulations Target Airbnb Rentals in Greece with Safety and Quality Standard
Additionally, a new ranking system for tourist accommodations based on sustainability criteria is expected to be introduced
Piraeus Port Authority: Net Profits Exceed 70mln€ in Jan-Sep 2024
All indices rise in third quarter of 2024 compared to corresponding period of 2023
Layoffs in Greece on Par with Hires for September: ERGANI
The data is expected as the country's tourist season ended, resulting in an upswing in the number of employees departing as thousands of seasonal workers are left out of the job market
International Xinomavro Day: Honoring Greece’s Premier Grape on November 1st
This initiative was met with an enthusiastic response across Greece and has since been embraced internationally.
Greek Fin. Min. Hatzidakis: Tax Reductions Planned for 2025-2027
“We want to further reduce taxes, not because we want to be agreeable, but because we can,” said the minister.
Athens Metro Extends Weekend Hours to 2 a.m. on Lines 2 and 3
As part of the Strategic Transport Plan, the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) is also preparing significant changes to city bus routes, set to be completed by May 2025.
Greece Needs Reforms for Ratings Upgrade
Fitch is expected to release its evaluation of the Greek economy on Nov. 22, with a possible scenario being an upgrade of the economy from “stable” to “positive”