Government’s interest in protecting Greek Orthodox populations in Middle East The Minister of National Defense once again expressed Nikos Dendias, who visited Lebanon, performing a series of contacts and meetings.
In his statement, after completing his contacts, Mr. Dendias reported he met with his Patriarch of Antioch John, while discussing extensively “to protect the Greek Orthodox communities at Syria and Lebanon, Especially after the episode of terrorist attack on Temple of Prophet Elias And the many victims. “
“The Greek government and the Greek people, Greek society are of great interest in the situation and protection of Orthodox populations in the Middle East” The Minister of National Defense stressed. During the meeting, the operation of the University of the University was discussed Ballman and especially her Theological School, An issue on which Mr Dendias was particularly interested in, as as a foreign minister had “signed for the reopening of the Greek -speaking program of the Theological School at the expense of the Greek state”.
I met with His Beatitude the Patriarch of Antioch John X at the Patriarchal Seat in Balamand, North Lebanon, accompanied by Secretary General for Religious Affairs Mr. George Kalantzis.
We discussed the issue of protecting Christian populations in the region, Lebanon and Syria… pic.twitter.com/g7jXZwH2iJ
– Nikos Dendias (@nikosdendias) July 18, 2025
Meetings were held by the Greek minister with Lebanese President Joseph Aun, Vice -President of the Government Tarek Yro, Defense Minister Menassa, and also talked with the Minister of Culture.
During my visit to Beirut, I had the honour of being received by the President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun, in the presence of the Minister of Defence Michel Menassah.#Lebanon pic.twitter.com/qvicsd2HvQ
– Nikos Dendias (@nikosdendias) July 18, 2025
I met in Beirut with Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon Dr. @Tarekmitri. Among other issues, we discussed the protection of Christian communities in the region – a matter of particular importance to the PM, as a Greek Orthodox himself.#Beirut #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/VTMXJsYSt3
– Nikos Dendias (@nikosdendias) July 18, 2025
‘Object of all these meetings and discussions was the future and stability in Lebanon, and also the protection of Greek Orthodox populations’, Mr Dendias noted, adding that in this context “the Greek Ministry of Defense has launched a program of reinforcing the Lebanese Armed Forces with material we withdraw, at the base of the agenda 2030”.
Warm Reception at Lebanese Defense Ministry @Lenenbonbendefense by my counterpart Michel Menassah. We discussed the further strengthening of bilateral defense cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international security issues. During the meeting I invited him… pic.twitter.com/VUYbfQe166
– Nikos Dendias (@nikosdendias) July 18, 2025
“The Armed Forces, the Greek Ministry of Defense, are ready and will support the Lebanese Armed Forces. One is the main reason, prerequisite and objective: the protection of the Greek Orthodox populations, which is the main objective of the Greek government, “he concluded in his statement.