The talks will include meetings with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, and Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.

Following the discussions, Mr. Rutte and Mr. Mitsotakis will deliver joint press statements, which will be streamed live on NATO’s official website and broadcast via the EBU News Exchange.

The visit to Athens comes immediately after Mr. Rutte’s trip to Ankara on Monday, where he is scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and senior Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

While in Turkey, Mr. Rutte will engage with representatives of the local defense industry and tour defense-related facilities, underscoring NATO’s focus on the alliance's southern flank and defense cooperation in the region.

The Secretary General’s visit to Greece follows a significant NATO-related event hosted by the country. In late September and early October, Greece’s Andravida Air Base served as the site of Ramstein Flag 24, NATO’s largest annual air exercise in Europe.

The drill marked the first time Greece’s air force hosted the exercise, featuring over 140 Allied aircraft, including air tankers and AWACS, and integrating ground and naval operations.

The exercise showcased NATO’s commitment to interoperability and readiness, with maneuvers over the Ionian and Aegean Seas as well as the Peloponnese. The Hellenic Air Force played a central role, contributing numerous fighter jets and personnel to the operation.

Mr. Rutte’s visits to Turkey and Greece highlight NATO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cohesion among its members and address strategic challenges in the region, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments.