Press statement

Prime Minister, I am glad to be back in Athens.

We have had substantial talks on the priorities for NATO, which provides security for all Allies. And on Greece’s contribution to our Alliance.

Greece is at the forefront of the refugee and migrant crisis.

Generously hosting tens of thousands of people.

NATO is in the Aegean Sea because Greece, Germany and Turkey requested our assistance to help cut the lines of human trafficking.

We quickly answered the call.

NATO ships are providing real-time information to the coastguards of Greece and Turkey, as well as to the EU’s border agency Frontex.

I was on the NATO flagship yesterday and I saw that our collective efforts are making a difference

There has been a significant reduction in the number of people crossing the Aegean from Turkey to Greece.

We are helping counter criminal networks, secure our borders, and save lives.

And NATO is working with the EU closer than ever before.

We need to stay engaged.

I thank Greece for contributing ships to our deployment.

And for the excellent cooperation and coordination. 

NATO is also helping address the root causes of the refugee and migrant crisis. By helping partner nations in North Africa and the Middle East become stronger in the fight against terrorism, and more stable.

This month, we started training Iraqi officers.

And we also stand ready to support Libya

We also discussed the challenge of a more assertive Russia, responsible for aggressive actions in Ukraine.

NATO is following a double track of deterrence and dialogue.

In response to Russia’s actions we have increased our collective defence and deterrence.

Not to provoke a conflict, but to prevent a conflict. And to keep our citizens safe.

Everything we do is defensive, and in line with our international commitments.

But in times of tension, it is especially important to keep channels of political dialogue open.

To avoid incidents and to reduce risks.

That is what NATO has done – as the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council this week testifies.

All these issues will be on the agenda of our Warsaw summit in July.

Greece is making a significant contribution by spending over 2 percent of GDP on defence.

We appreciate these efforts.

So Prime Minister, thank you for your commitment to keep our Alliance strong and united.

Thank you.