Greece and Lebanon to Strengthen Defense Cooperation
The Greek Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, is set to welcome Lebanon’s Minister of Defense, Michel Menassa, at the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense in Athens, tomorrow (November, 13, 2025).
The two ministers will first hold a private meeting, followed by expanded talks between the Greek and Lebanese delegations. Discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation between Greece and Lebanon, as well as addressing broader regional and international security issues.
This visit follows ongoing efforts to deepen defense ties between the two countries.
It is worth noting that the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS), General Dimitrios Choupis, accompanied Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his official visit to Lebanon on December 16, 2024.
During that visit, General Choupis met with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun. Their discussions included potential ways for Greece to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, particularly in areas such as training.
Nikos Dendias held talks with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Menassa and President Joseph Aoun on April 8, 2025.
Greece has approved the transfer of 13 US-made M113 armored personnel carriers to Lebanon and will train Lebanese troops.
Beirut has requested familiar systems, and Athens has offered spare parts for Lebanon’s UH-1 Huey helicopters. Greece will also provide four decommissioned Hueys and additional military trucks and vehicles.
Greece has been contributing to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2006,
Michel Menassa is a retired Army Brigadier General Pilot. He is Minister of National Defense of Lebanon in the cabinet of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam since February 2025.