French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Greece next week to renew a security pact between the two countries against the backdrop of the war in Iran, a Greek government official said on Sunday.
– France and Greece, long-standing NATO allies, signed a security and defence agreement in 2021, which required them to come to each other’s aid if attacked and included the purchase of three French-made frigates and around 24 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets by Athens.
– Macron’s visit to Greece on April 24-25 will renew the agreement for a further five years, with an automatic renewal thereafter, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
– Macron and the Greek government will also discuss maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, the official added.
– Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was at a standstill on Sunday after Iran reasserted control over the strategic waterway, days before a fragile ceasefire with the United States was set to expire.
– Greece leads the European Union’s naval mission charged with protecting ships in the Red Sea but has opposed engaging in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
https://www.reuters.com/world/france-greece-renew-defence-pact-another-five-years-2026-04-19