“I am particularly happy to be here today, at the 83rd Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, at the inauguration of the Armed Forces Pavilion. This year’s International Trade Fair is dedicated to the friendship between Greece and the USA.
We should note that numerous Greek and foreign companies of international range participate in the organisation of this year’s Fair, imparting a global momentum to the organisation and at the same time enhancing the intergovernmental bonds between the countries they represent and our own.
It is essential that this is the first Fair after the end of the crisis, after the end of a difficult period for Greece.
The Armed Forces seize the opportunity and actively participate in the Fair, promoting their work in the context of the General Staffs’ outreach activities.
The promotion of the Armed Forces work for the benefit of the Greek citizen is our duty and I have assisted in this effort and will continue to do so, especially regarding initiatives like the creation of this pavilion, so as to promote the Armed Forces, which safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity and at the same time stand by the side of the citizen through social activities, 24/7 and throughout the year.
There is no doubt that these initiatives bring the Greek citizen in touch with the work of the Armed Forces, promoting their contribution to the Greek society, proven in every difficult occasion and acknowledged by every man and woman of Greece.
So I send from Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia, a city holding the most strategic position of the Balkans, a message that the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, defending our country’s national independence and territorial integrity, stand ready to face any challenge, with a high sense of responsibility and professionalism.
Your Excellency, Ambassador Pyatt,
I recall your last visit to Souda and our talks in Washington, along with the Prime Minister. Together we built, renew and enhanced this alliance.
For us the United States of America are present now and in the past, during difficult periods. We will never forget that, during the difficult years of the crisis, USA were an ally and not a creditor.
Your presence here is essential, because you send a critical message for the Greek economy and the future of Greece.
We have always stood side by side, in good times but also through hardship, during the two World Wars. We owe you our inclusion in the Marshall Plan after WW II. This country was built after WW II thanks to the help of the USA.
I would like to particularly thank the Greek expats. We have with us today three senators representing the Greek expats who have made a great contribution to this friendship and alliance.
We will move together to the future. Military agreements expand and this will help Greece in being a strategic partner throughout the Mediterranean.
Now we are taking the next step. After the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone we proceed to the agreement regarding energy. This will be the first step to the future.
We welcome you here and I want you to be certain that Greece and the Hellenic Armed Forces will always remain a true ally.
Your Excellency,
Many ambassadors have been assigned to Athens in the past. I would like to say that you are the best Ambassador of the last 50 years and I sincerely thank you for your faith in this friendship and alliance.
We can inaugurate the pavilion of the Hellenic Armed Forces together.
Welcome”.
