Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias is undertaking an official visit to Qatar and Australia from Tuesday through to Friday, against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical developments and growing security concerns in both the Eastern Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific.
According to a statement issued by the Greek Ministry of National Defence, Dendias was received on Tuesday at Lusail Palace in Doha by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey Greece’s condolences following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The Defence Minister is then scheduled to travel to Australia, where he will hold meetings with representatives of research institutions and companies at the forefront of robotics, innovation and emerging defence technologies.
“He will also have the opportunity to meet with Australian officials, members of the Greek community and academic institutions,” the ministry said.
As part of his visit, Dendias is scheduled to attend a doxology service on Thursday at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Sydney, presided over by Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Following the service, he will meet privately with the Archbishop at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Later that day, Dendias will take part in a fireside chat titled “Security in the Southeastern Mediterranean”, to be held from 5pm to 7pm at the Business Sydney Events Centre in Chifley Square, Sydney.
The event is expected to bring together representatives of the Greek Australian community, business leaders, academics, as well as figures from the political and strategic sectors.
On Friday, Dendias is scheduled to visit the facilities of Australian defence technology companies.