[Dimitris Manis]: The meeting between the Greek Minister of Defense, Dimitris Avramopoulos, and his American counterpart, Chuck Hagel, was conducted in a very good atmosphere. The two officials met on Tuesday afternoon at the American Pentagon following an invitation by Mr. Hagel. [Dimitris Avramopoulos]: Today, I met with the United States Secretary of Defense, Mr. Hagel, with whom I had a very warm and friendly meeting and conversation about issues of broader bilateral as well as international interest. He sought my opinion about developments in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, including Syria, Egypt, Libya, and I had the opportunity to present the positions and views of our country, always aiming to foster reflection that will lead to what we all look forward to and expect – the establishment of peace, security, and cooperation in our broader region. [Dimitris Manis]: Mr. Avramopoulos emphasized that Greece, despite facing an economic crisis which it confronts with a plan, strength, and determination, continues to be a steady and stabilizing factor in the Eastern Mediterranean. [Dimitris Avramopoulos]: Greece is, as I said at the beginning, a significant factor in security, cooperation, communication, and stability. This message is what we transmit to all our neighbors. This message was imparted by our country today here in the United States, and I noted with particular satisfaction that this great country recognizes it. [Dimitris Manis]: In a statement issued by the American Pentagon, it is mentioned that Mr. Hagel praised Greece’s actions in maintaining stability in the Balkans and expressed his appreciation for the support Greece provides to NATO. Mr. Hagel and Mr. Avramopoulos discussed issues of common strategic interest, and the Greek Minister pledged to maintain the close relationship that the two countries share. Among other things, the two officials agreed on conducting joint military exercises and high-level advisory services. Earlier the same day, the Greek Minister of Defense laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery located just outside the city of Washington, and after the meeting with Mr. Hagel, Mr. Avramopoulos laid a wreath at the 9/11 memorial located in the Pentagon’s courtyard. Today, Wednesday, Mr. Avramopoulos will attend a ceremony at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, where a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Museum and the Hellenic Army General Staff aiming at cooperation for research on World War II archives. Dimitris Manis, VOA, Washington.