The Minister of National Defense Dimitris Avramopoulos will visit the USA on Tuesday, were he is planned to meet with United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon.

The two men are expected to discuss improving the strategic alliance of the two countries, as well as the developing situation in the Balkans and Middle East. The Americans value the stabilizing role Greece can play as a reliable partner.

There will also be discussions on the improvement of the Greek Armed Forces, particularly with regards to supporting the Greek defense industry. r. Avramopoulos will update Mr. Hagel on the Cypriot government’s decision to participate in NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” program.

After the meeting, the Greek minister will lay a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Arlington and the Pentagon Memorial for the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Mr. Avramopoulos will later meet senators and members of Congress.

Mr. Avramopoulos’ visit will conclude on Wednesday, when he attends a special service at the Holocaust Remembrance Museum, where a memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Museum and the Greek Army’s General Staff, to further cooperate on investigating files from the Second World War.