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Defence Minister Peter Kilfoyle will speak at a symposium in Athens tomorrow aimed to foster stronger ties between the British and Greek defence industries.
The two-day UK/Greek Defence Industrial Co-operation Symposium will bring together industrialists from both countries to discuss ways to increase co-operation and find out more about each country''s procurement processes.
Mr Kilfoyle will speak about the growing UK/Greek bilaterial relationship, which includes an industrial partnership between Vosper Thornycroft and Elefsis Shipbuilding to meet the Greek fast attack craft requirement, and agreements between Vickers Defence Systems and Greek industry to supply Challenger 2 if it is chosen as the Greek main battle tank. Sir Robert Walmsley, Chief of Defence Procurement, will explain the Smart Procurement initiative to deliver Britain''s defence equipment needs faster, cheaper and better.
Also speaking will be Mr Kilfoyle''s opposite number, Defence Minister Dimitrios Apostolakis, and the Greek National Armaments Director, Ioannis Smpokos.
Twenty-nine UK companies are due to attend the symposium, with representatives from British Aerospace, Vickers and Vosper Thornycroft due to speak. Greek companies attending include armoured vehicle manufacturer Elvo, Hellenic Aerospace Industries, and Elefsis Shipbuilding.
The symposium follows a defence industry day on board HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy''s new helicopter carrier, in Piraeus harbour today.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
1. For further information, please contact Andrew Willis at the Defence Press Office .
2. The MoD web-site can be found at http://www.mod.uk Alternatively you may contact the MoD Press Office by e-mail at press@dgics.mod.uk
