The prime minister used the opportunity to praise US President Donald Trump and to boast about Greece’s extremely high military spending.

He argued that ‘for NATO unity, it is essential for European countries to shoulder a greater burden. There should be a balance in spending between the US and NATO members. President Trump was right about this necessity, and European countries have now realised that they must assume a greater share of responsibility for their defence. It is a condition for survival.’

Mitsotakis proudly reiterated that Greece is already above the new target of 3.5% of GDP for military spending. ‘Greece is one of the five countries that is already above the target of 3.5% of GDP for defence spending. We have special geopolitical conditions. Our country is a leading player in NATO’s great effort and this effort is recognised by both the Alliance and the United States,’ he said.

Asked about criticism that the US president has at times levelled at NATO, and about scenarios concerning a possible US withdrawal from the Alliance, Mitsotakis replied: ‘There is no possibility of withdrawal. President Trump was particularly positive regarding the climate and the response of the European allies. NATO is entering a new era.’

Mitsotakis also said that Greece’s programme to acquire F-35 fighter jets is progressing normally. ‘Greek pilots in 2027 will be trained for our own F-35s, which are already being manufactured. Greece has significantly strengthened its defence since 2019,’ he said.

Asked about the possibility of Turkey returning to the F-35 programme, he said: ‘It is not my job to tell the United States what to sell and where. Just as I do not accept directions on what to buy in order to protect our country’s defence.’

However, he added that ‘there are significant legal obstacles in US law to the supply of F-35s to Turkey’, recalling that Ankara’s removal from the programme was linked to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 system.

On renewed US-Iran tensions

Regarding the renewed conflict between the US and Iran, Mitsotakis said: ‘I believe that we will return to discussions. I am optimistic.’

He reiterated that Greece remains committed to defending freedom of navigation, underlining its role as a strong naval power.

‘Greece is a global naval superpower. It defends the right to free navigation. Free straits, without tolls, are a central priority for everyone, including the United States,’ he claimed, ignoring that the US had received a warning about the closure of the straits before launching its attacks on Tehran.

Referring to the effects of the crisis on international energy markets, Mitsotakis admitted that he is concerned about the rise in oil prices, but expressed optimism that the situation will normalise.

‘I am concerned about the rise in the price of oil. But I don’t look at prices in weeks. I want to believe that we will return to manageable levels,’ he said.

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