"Greece, as one of NATO's oldest members, can serve as a model for other partners, particularly in Southeastern Europe, by strengthening its leadership role in regional security initiatives," stated U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a letter to Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias. In his correspondence, Secretary Hegseth expressed gratitude for Minister Dendias's congratulatory letter regarding his appointment and for Greece's ongoing support in bilateral cooperation.