Greek PM Tsipras visits President Trump at the White House

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, October 17, the Financial Times reported. Following his stay in Chicago, the Greek PM visited to White House along with a large delegation of the Greek government. The two leaders met in a very friendly environment, and sources of both delegations spoke of a very fruitful meeting. According to IEfimerida, the Greek government expressed its satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting. First, the meeting was considered a boost for Mr. Tsipras’ public image, at a very critical time for the Greek economy, and Greece’s negotiations with its creditors, and European partners. Second, President Trump acknowledged the renewed importance of Greece’s strategic and geopolitical role, being in a key location of the Eastern Mediterranean, and close to the Middle East. The U.S President confirmed this through constant references to investment projects in Greece. Furthermore, the Greek delegation was encouraged by Mr. Trump’s promise to support debt relief for Greece.

The greatest takeaway from last Tuesday’s meeting according to CNN Greece was an agreement to upgrade the Greek F-16 fleet. This cost of this project amounts to 2.4 billion dollars, and the deal entails the replacement of Greece’s F-16s with F-16 Block V, the purchase of 125 radars APG-83 AESA, simulators, and the upgrade of 26 systems of self-defense ASPIS I, to ASPIS II. This agreement will take place under the auspice of Lockheed Martin. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, called Greece an important partner in the promotion of political stability and economic progress in Europe, and stated that the military upgrade will improve the Greek air force’s capacity within NATO.

President Trump praised Greece for its reforms, and said that the country is on its path to recovery. In addition, he recognized Greece’s importance as an ally, and lauded it for paying its share to NATO. Furthermore, the U.S. President thanked Greece for hosting the U.S. fleet at Souda base, in Crete.

According to the Greek government, Tsipras’ visit to the U.S. was a success. It remains to be seen what the reaction of the E.U. will be following the armaments deal, and whether Greece will enjoy closer cooperation with the U.S.