STUTTGART, Germany – Senior leaders from U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS) met this week at USEUCOM Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, to discuss topics including joint exercises and training, increasing interoperability and crisis response.

These meetings build on discussions between Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Katrougalos at the inaugural U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 13.

“The opportunity to come together with our Greek counterparts this week was a testament to the commitment we have together as NATO allies to enhance collaboration and cooperation across our militaries,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Turello, USEUCOM Deputy Director for Partnering and Security Cooperation. “We discussed a variety of important topics of mutual interest to include crisis response and enhanced training opportunities.”

The U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue is a mutual commitment between Greece and the U.S. to foster bilateral discussions across six general areas: regional cooperation; defense and security; law enforcement and counterterrorism; trade and investment; energy; and people-to-people ties.

This week’s talks, which included 24 participants from Greece and the U.S., deepened the commitment of both militaries to modernize and expand their defense relationship to better meet the needs of both countries and to more effectively address regional and global security challenges.

Enhancing relationships with allies and partners ensures USEUCOM remains connected to regional relationships developed throughout the last 70 years.

To learn more about the 2018 Strategic Dialogue, visit https://gr.usembassy.gov/joint-statement-regardingthe-inaugural-united-states-greece-strategic-dialogue/.