On Tuesday, 9 April 2019, the Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis visited the Hellenic National Defence College, where he addressed the students of the 71st Training Class.

In his address, the Minister of National Defence described the modern security environment, focusing on the broader Balkans, East Mediterranean, and Middle East region. He then focused on the current status of the Armed Forces and their multifaceted work, stressing in particular their outreach to society, as well as at international level with the promotion of military cooperations and their active participation in operations and actions, both under the auspices of the UN, as well as at Euroatlantic level.

He also referred to the broader framework of the reorganisation of the Armed Forces, stressing that it aims at improving their operational readiness and effectiveness. The Minister mentioned in particular the personnel of the Armed Forces, noting that personnel welfare has always been a priority for the Ministry and stressing all the measures implemented to further improve their everyday life.

In conclusion, the Minister of National Defence referred to the high prestige and recognition the Armed Forces enjoy both in the country, as well as internationally, as a result of the initiatives and actions they undertake within the framework of a targeted defence diplomacy. At the same time, he prompted the students to participate in the further upgrade of the Armed Forces, with innovative ideas, active involvement in the decision making processes, focus on personnel welfare, and a vision for the future.