Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis Meets with Japanese Counterpart Masahisa Miyazaki

Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis Meets with Japanese Counterpart Masahisa Miyazaki

August 26, 2026

On Wednesday 26 August 2026, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis met with his Japanese counterpart Masahisa Miyazaki at the Ministry of National Defence.

During the meeting, the Greek Deputy Minister discussed matters of mutual interest with his counterpart, focusing on the prospects of broadening the bilateral cooperation between Greece and Japan in the areas of defence, security, and technology. Furthermore, he praised the timeless bonds of friendship connecting the two countries, while stressing their common dedication to protecting international peace and regional stability.

After the meeting, Mr. Davakis made the following statement:

"Concluding the meeting with my Japanese counterpart, Mr. Miyazaki, at the Ministry of National Defence, I would like to thank him deeply for his visit and the particularly constructive and honest discussion that we had.

His visit to Athens confirms the steadily developing dynamics of our bilateral relations.

Japan and Greece are two countries with a deep maritime tradition, cultural interaction, and common commitment to the fundamental principles of the International Law, the Law of the Sea, the United Nations Charter, as well as a common perception on technological advancement and developments of international power factors.

This common value background acquires major significance in a changing international environment of increasing challenges and complex security requirements.

Defence diplomacy is a basic pillar for the enhancement of regional and international stability, creating the conditions for mutually beneficial defence cooperation.

Within this framework, we see our defence cooperation with Japan as a relationship with strategic significance and substantial potential for further growth and continuation.

In today's meeting, we underlined that the ever-changing nature of threats demands the broadening of the areas of our defence cooperation.

Within this framework, we also discussed a series of propositions which lay on the three principles I mentioned before and I think that they can become the basis on which our bilateral cooperation will grow even deeper.

In this strategic relationship, each side will contribute its own unique assets, thus shaping a beneficial partnership with an important value for both countries.

I would like to thank the Deputy Minister deeply for his constructive visit and I am looking forward to a partnership with auspicious prospects".