Support for Middle Eastern Christians at the heart of Athens defense talks

In the meeting between the defense ministers of Greece and Lebanon, the issue of "supporting Christians in the Middle East" gained a prominent place, alongside military and security cooperation.

During the visit of Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Manassa to Athens, the focus of discussions went beyond the usual military cooperation. The discussions centered on supporting Christians in the Middle East. The meeting on Thursday, November 13, between Manassa and Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias took place at a time when Lebanon is facing complex security challenges and efforts to rebuild the authority of the army in the south of the country.

Dendias announced during the meeting that Greece is ready to donate a shipment of armored vehicles to the Lebanese army, a move he said is part of a “broader defense cooperation framework” that also includes the training of Lebanese officers in Greek military academies. He stressed that this support is aimed at contributing to Lebanon’s stability and strengthening the country’s armed forces.

But the most important part of the meeting was Greece's clear message on religious freedom. Dendias, referring to the historical role of Christians in the social structure of the Middle East, stated: "Greece condemns any violent act against religious freedom in the region and is committed to supporting the rights of Christians in the Middle East."

He also stressed that the Christians of Lebanon and the Middle East are "an indigenous population and inseparable from the identity of the region," and emphasized Athens' firm support for Greek Orthodox patriarchates throughout the Middle East.

The decline in the Christian population in Lebanon continues to be a serious concern for church institutions and religious freedom advocates. This trend is not only changing the social fabric of the country, but also poses a threat to the political and cultural heritage of Lebanon, a country that has always been known as a symbol of religious and cultural coexistence in the Middle East.

While the role of Christians in Lebanon's power structure is crucial to maintaining political balance, any weakening of this population will have consequences beyond Lebanon's borders, making international attention and support more necessary than ever.