On the evening of Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, attended an event at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Athens on the occasion of the National Day of Bulgaria, the celebration of the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Cyrillic alphabet, the Bulgarian culture, as well as Saint George’s Day, patron saint of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

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

“First of all, we should all congratulate Bulgaria upon your success in Eurovision! You made all us in the Balkan Peninsula proud. So thank you so much. It was a great song. Thank you!

And of course, it is with such great pleasure and appreciation that I address you today on the occasion of the celebration of the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius. We, being Greeks, know very well about them, dear Ambassador. We were taught in school about them, what they have achieved, what they have done. The Cyrillic alphabet, the Bulgarian culture, Saint George’s Day, patron saint of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, all are being celebrated on this great day.

And I have to say that this is a special opportunity to honour the profound historic and spiritual legacy of the Bulgarian people. Saints Cyril and Methodius were enlighteners of Europe, founders of the spiritual and cultural unity of the Slavic peoples, and enduring symbols of education, knowledge, and culture.

Greece has always recognised the importance of this cultural heritage and attaches particular value to the bonds that unite our peoples through our shared historical experience, our Orthodox spiritual tradition, and the enduring role of culture as a bridge of cooperation and mutual respect in the Balkans, in Europe, in the world.

At a time of geopolitical challenges, of shifting international balances, preserving and promoting our cultural heritage becomes even more important, serving as a factor of stability, cohesion, and peaceful coexistence in this dystopic world. At the same time, today also holds special significance for the Bulgarian Armed Forces, as Saint George is honoured as their patron saint.

Allow me to express Greece’s appreciation to the men and women of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Greece and Bulgaria are neighbouring countries, NATO Allies and partners within the European Union, sharing common strategic interests and a common vision for a region of peace, stability and prosperity. Our cooperation in the fields of defence and security has significantly strengthened in recent years and constitutes a model of constructive dialogue, mutual trust, and practical and sincere cooperation.

Within the framework of Allied solidarity and NATO obligations, Greece actively contributes to the protection of Bulgaria’s airspace, demonstrating in practice and to a high level the trust and strategic cooperation between the two countries and the two societies.

Thus, Greece responded immediately, and will continue doing so, dear Ambassador, to Bulgaria’s request for assistance in addressing the threats Bulgaria faced as a consequence of the war in Iran.

And I want to make it clear: if the necessity arises again in the future, Greece will come to the aid of Bulgaria. And I’m sure Bulgaria will do the same if needed.

Greece and Bulgaria demonstrate on a daily basis that good neighbourly relations, strategic cooperation and adherence to the principles of international law can serve as pillars of peace, security and progress for the entire region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

with these thoughts, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the Bulgarian people for peace, prosperity, and progress.

I wish the Bulgarian Armed Forces strength and success in fulfilling their noble mission. And I wish that relations between Greece and Bulgaria continue to grow stronger, founded upon our common values, historical proximity and commitment to peace, cooperation, and stability in our troubled region.”