France and Greece to renew defence pact for another five years

ATHENS, April 19 (Reuters) - ‌French President ​Emmanuel ​Macron will travel to Greece next week to renew a security pact ‌between the two countries against the backdrop ⁠of the war in Iran, a Greek government official ‌said on Sunday.

France and ‌Greece, long-standing NATO allies, signed a security and defence agreement in 2021, which required ​them to come to each other's aid if attacked and included the purchase of ⁠three French-made frigates and around 24 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets by ​Athens.

Macron's visit to Greece on April 24-25 will renew the agreement for a ​further five years, with ‌an automatic renewal thereafter, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Macron ⁠and the Greek government will also discuss maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, the official ⁠added.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was at a ​standstill on Sunday after Iran reasserted control over the strategic waterway, days before a fragile ceasefire with the ‌United States was set to expire.

Greece leads the European Union's naval mission ‌charged with protecting ships in the Red ⁠Sea but has ‌opposed engaging in ​any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

(Reporting by Angeliki KoutantouEditing by Christina ‌Fincher)

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