AHEPA applauds bipartisan congressional action to urge appropriators to boost funding for Greece’s International Military Education and Training (IMET) program and to provide funding for the 3+1 Cooperation Interparliamentary Group, announced Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas.

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) led the letter in cooperation with Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). A total of 31 U.S. representatives signed the letter submitted to the heads of House Appropriations Committee, seeking $1.8 million for Greece’s IMET program and $100,000 for the Cyprus, Greece, Israel and U.S. 3+1 Interparliamentary Group for FY2023. 

“A strong and sustained IMET program with Greece will ensure relationships are cultivated and enhanced, and further, it will have a lasting beneficial impact toward the strengthening of United States-Greece military-to-military relations among longstanding NATO allies,” Kokotas said. “In addition, the introduction of funding for the Interparliamentary Group speaks to the elevated level of importance the United States places on the 3+1 framework. Taken together, they contribute to the groundwork for a more enduring, lasting U.S. partnership in the eastern Mediterranean.”

“We sincerely thank Congressman Pappas, Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairs Maloney and Bilirakis, and the legislators who provided bipartisan support for meaningful funding for our community’s foreign policy priorities,” Kokotas added.

The IMET program advances the professional military education of the Greek Armed Forces. It also contributes toward the strengthening of United States security interests in an increasingly important part of the world.

Several organizations backed the letter, including AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope.