The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos attended on Thursday, 16 December 2021, the ceremony for the lighting of the Christmas Tree in “PAPAGOS” Camp, at the central gate of the Ministry of National Defence.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief/HNDGS General Konstantinos Floros, the Chief/HAFGS Lieutenant General Georgios Blioumis, the Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Charalambos Laloussis, the Chief/HNGS Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis HN, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defence Mr. Antonios Oikonomou.

In his brief address, the Minister of National Defence stated the following:

“It is true that last year we did not have the chance to do this ceremony, due to special conditions; the pandemic is not over yet, the danger has not passed. On the contrary, it still exists, it creates variants, it evolves, and it is still threatening, therefore we need to stay alert. Just like the Armed Forces know how to stay alert, due to other conditions they need to face and keep under control.

On this occasion, I would like to wish Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone. Make sure to enjoy some valuable breaths, be close to your loved ones, spend the holidays with them, feel the family warmth
these days, this is how it should be this time of the year, and gather your strength for the day after.

I wish you all strength, and I will repeat once more that it is an honour and a privilege to be part of the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence; along with the military leadership, we will carry on the
effort to make the Armed Forces even stronger, as this is best for our country. However, these days, this period is a holiday period, and I advise you all to take advantage of it and enjoy.

My best wishes for strength, health, joy, prosperity, optimism and a greater effort for an even better result.

Many happy returns!”