The Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis participated in the annual EXPOSEC -DEFENSEWORLD CONFERENCE 2019, making the keynote address on Tuesday 7 May 2019.

The conference titled: “DEFINING A MODERN DEFENCE AND SECURITY STRATEGY’’ was held at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Athens, under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence.

You can read the address of the Minister of National Defence below:

“Ladies and Gentlemen,            

It is a great pleasure for me to participate in the 7th annual Conference for Defence and Security, here at the historic venue of the Sarogleion Mansion. The EXPOSEC–DEFENSEWORLD CONFERENCE constituting a point of reference through the submission of constructive proposals and brainstorming, at a national and international level, has been established as one essential forum for dialogue and exanimations of approaches, on issues of defence and security.

This of course is the capstone of the exemplary preparation and collaboration of the hosts and I wish to congratulate Mr Tsomokos and Mr Anastasopoulos, as well as all the other contributors for their total involvement.

This year’s event “Establishing a Modern Defence and Security Strategy” constitutes a first-rate opportunity for me to address a select audience, so that I can concisely develop my thoughts and present to you the general framework of approach of the Ministry of National Defence.

I will begin by indicating that Greece, due to its geographic position in the Eastern Mediterranean, finds itself in a rapidly evolved and challenging environment, with fragile balances and numerous challenges of global geostrategic and geo-economic importance.

Currently, the changes in the international distribution of power, the lasting crises in Syria and Libya, the strategic competitions and the rapid developments in the near geopolitical and energy environment, contribute to the increase of destabilisation threats in the wider region of our national interest.

To face these challenges we have adopted policies which make cooperation, peace and the promotion of Greece’s role as a provider of security in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans, a national priority.

Greece is the foundation of peace and a centre of stability. It builds bridges of collaboration and dialogue with the countries of the wider region, contributing at the same time to the development of good neighbourly relations, mutual trust and constructive interaction.

The contribution of the Armed Forces in the said national effort is materialised through the exercise of an active, multidimensional defence diplomacy, which serves and directly extends to the political field.

However, we have a neighbour difficult to live with. We face Turkey’s provocations in the Aegean and the various insubstantial accusations, always reacting with prudence and strategic composure. Despite the existing problems, we make, on our side, an effort of normalisation. In the context of this rationale, a meeting of the two countries’ delegation is being scheduled presently, to define the actions in the context of Confidence Building Measures.

In any case, we seek peace and stability, while at the same time decisively defending our sovereign rights.

At this point, I would like to mention the recent decision of Turkey to proceed to an illegal drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. A decision which we have condemned and which has caused many international reactions from the EU, the USA, France, Israel, Egypt and many other sides. We applaud the composed and sober stance held by Cyprus, we remain coordinated with the Republic of Cyprus, as well as our European partners and allies for future actions and we support Cyprus in every step of the way.

Moving on, allow me to stress that our strategic planning focuses on a series of parameters, such as:

• The movements of international players in Syria, Libya and the general developments in the regions of the Middle East and North Africa.
• The developments in matters of energy in the wider region, where we share a common strategy with Cyprus, as well as in all other basic issues.
• The geopolitical correlations and balances in the Balkans.
• The developments on the issues and types of irregular migration.
• The Allied and European policy on the said issues and generally our country’s activation in the context of NATO, the EU and the other international organisations and mainly of the UN and the OECD.

Furthermore, we actively participate in NATO’s security and defence structures, as well as those of the EU and other International Organisations, as well as the development of initiatives between them, aiming to enhance security and constantly increase our outreach, since the preservation of our imprint abroad constitutes a strategic goal.

It is distinctive that we have ships and aircrafts participating in surveillance missions from Libya to Cyprus and the Balkans. In particular, a Greek frigate is currently patrolling in a UN operation in Lebanon, while Greek fighter aircrafts are assisting within the NATO framework in the air policing of Albania, Montenegro and soon North Macedonia. Furthermore, we have members operating on the field from Kosovo to Afghanistan, Iraq and Mali in Africa.

We develop a plethora of activities and joint trainings with Armed Forces from almost all the states of the region, as well as others globally. Of course we enhance our brotherly relation with Cyprus, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, the countries of the Gulf, Israel, Jordan, USA and all the countries of the Balkans.

Referring to the sensitive region of the Balkans, Greece continues to strive for the enhancement of stability and the Euro-Atlantic orientation of the region’s countries, with the materialisation of defence activities of capabilities’ building. The quadruple cooperation between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia constitutes an important body of development and cooperation which promotes our country, while shaping a momentum and ascertaining the primary role of Greece in the region.

Hereupon, I will stress that with the historic Prespes Agreement, the integration of North Macedonia to NATO will contribute to the consolidation and reinforcement of a feeling of stability, as well as the strengthening of cooperation and peaceful coexistence in the region. Our goal is to make our country the main strategic partner of the said country.

This is something which is already materialising through the Defence Cooperation Agreement I recently signed with my counterpart, which includes a particular plan of actions and proceedings, aiming to widen and make more substantial our bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and mainly in the support of the neighbouring country during its integration to the structures of NATO.

Furthermore, our defence diplomacy capitalises on the good relations Greece traditionally has with the Arab world and thus contributes to the stability of the Southeastern Mediterranean. So, we bring closer countries with particular, different or historically opposite policies, promoting cooperation between them.

The close military cooperation with Egypt and that with Israel are characteristic examples.

Furthermore, Greece demonstrates exceptional activity in the shaping of new force correlations and alliances. The trilateral cooperations of Greece-Cyprus-Egypt and Greece-Cyprus-Israel prove that in the most distinctive way. The participation of Mr Pompeo, the United States Secretary of State, in the recent tripartite meeting of Greece-Cyprus-Israel constitutes a solid proof of the US support and a strong message to all directions.

I will also stress that a strategic military relation also connects us with the USA and the two countries Armed Forces enjoy an exquisite collaboration, through a plethora of activities in operational, individual and academic training.

Allow me to indicate the recent conduct of the 1st Strategic Dialogue between Greece and the USA in Washington in December, where I also participated. It constituted an assurance of our superb and multilevel cooperation in the field of Defence and Security, but also for the further enhancement of this coequal strategic relation and to this direction we proceed with the materialisation of what we have agreed.

The initiative of Senators Rubio and Menendez constitutes a virtual assurance and pertains to the submission to the US Senate of the bill for “Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019”. This is of great importance for our country and is an action towards the right direction. That is what we talked about with Senator Menendez when we met a few days ago.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Gazing into the future, we envisage the Armed Forces of tomorrow. The transformation and the adjustment of the Armed Forces to the new conditions is the only way forward.

At the same time, investment in capabilities development, in procurements and armament programmes is made necessary.

Hence, recognising the direct correlation of the Armed Forces effectiveness with material reliability and availability, it is understood that a highly qualitative and capable personnel requires the use of modern systems and units.

Hereupon, with absolute respect to the state and society in general, we pave the way for the enhancement and modernisation of the Armed Forces by promoting the materialisation of only the necessary armament programmes. The said procedure, apart from the immediate and apparent benefit for the Armed Forces capability, also enhances the revitalisation of the domestic defence industry.

We are fully aware that meeting our needs through the domestic defence production carries added value of strategic importance. It is of strategic importance because it promotes research, enhances economy and the capability for domestic technology development and establishes the conditions for preserving our highly specialised technical and scientific personnel.

In this context, I will indicatively refer to the completion, here in Greece, of the programme for the building of Type 214 Submarines at the Skaramagas Shipyards, giving us the capability to develop a fleet with the most modern conventional Submarines in the world. Furthermore, we are currently concluding another ship-building programme, that of the new Missile Boats made by Greeks in Eleusis.

At the same time we have begun the acceptance of helicopters from the USA, the F-16 aircrafts upgrade is underway, the modernisation of the P-3B naval cooperation aircrafts is underway while we are acting accordingly for the modernisation of the MEKO Frigates, the enhancement of the fleet with new Frigates, the support of Mirage aircrafts and the modernisation of the air-defence and surveillance system.

All these activities are integrated in the effort we make to enhance and revitalise the domestic defence and shipbuilding industry, with obvious benefits for the national economy. We make every possible effort to contribute to the companies’ progress, the Skaramagas Shipyards, the Eleusis Shipyards, ΗΑΙ, HDS and HVI.

At the present, I would like to point out that the hosting of the 1st Defence Exhibition Athens, in June 2020, under the auspices of the Ministry of National Defence, demonstrates the fact that Greece is once more present at the forefront of technology and cooperation.

Of course, rapid technological developments and the developments in cyber-defence and space, do not allow us to remain plain observers. I wish to point out that the Ministry of National Defence is fully aware that the use and utilisation of the fields of space and cyber-defence, bring in critical strategic advantages and are of vital importance for the National Defence and the Security of the Country.

So we assist and vehemently support every national effort towards that direction and that is indicated by the recent validation of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of space between the Ministry of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media and the Ministry of National Defence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We follow a consistent, well-established and long-term high strategy, playing a key role in the security of the region of our interest.

Based on our personnel and our defence capabilities, we project our reliable deterrent capability and promote the international consolidation of Greece’s role of stability.

Throughout our effort, the personnel constitutes our main force multiplier, taking the path of responsibility, with vehemence and pride. Such is the morale, the quality, the professional expertise and their worthiness that they leave no margin for doubt.

And of course, we enjoy a relationship of trust and respect with society. This relationship is exceptionally important for us and we guard it as our most prised possession.

We are for the peaceful coexistence of the states and the resolution of any disputes between them, according to the provisions of the UN Charter and International Law.

Nevertheless, I want to be clear and explicit. We are unwaveringly dedicated to the safeguarding of our national positions, as they are defined by International Law and international treaties.

The Armed Forces have proven their proficiency of training and professionalism. They are internationally recognised for their combativeness and effectiveness.

I will once more stress that the Hellenic Armed Forces are ready and sufficient to defend our national rights and interests, when and if required. Have no doubt about that.

So, with these thoughts I would like to sincerely thank you for honouring me by inviting me to speak before you and finally to wish success to the conference’s proceedings.

Thank you very much”.