German foreign ministry spox: Greek-French defense deal not directed at other partners

Berlin on Friday more-or-less quashed – at least on the surface – media and analysts’ speculation this week over presumed annoyance by the German government vis-à-vis a landmark bilateral defense agreement between Greece and France.

Asked about the agreement, which prominently includes the acquisition by Greece of 3+1 frigates and possibly corvettes, a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson merely said it “…contains clear references to the status (of the two countries) as EU and NATO member-states and is not directed at other partners.”

“The German government is aware of the agreement between France and Greece regarding the establishment of a strategic partnership and cooperation in security and defense policy,” the spokesperson added.