The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias’ tour to Observation Guard posts within the 79th National Guard Higher Command Area of Responsibility at Samos and Agathonissi is completed.

Mr. Dendias, accompanied by the Commander of the 79th National Guard Higher Command Brigadier General Charalambos Laloussis, visited the military Guard posts of Psili Ammos (at Samos) and Agathonissi, where he was briefed on their task and mission.

The Minister of National Defence had the opportunity to discuss with the military personnel, as well as with the reserve officers serving there, on their mission and ascertain their high spirit and perfect level of training.  

At Samos, Mr. Dendias responded to the request of local agents for the Army to contribute so as to cover the lack of a second ambulance in the island, stating the following:

“As Minister of National Defence, I consider necessary the cooperation between the Army and the state. For this reason, the Army will contribute since the Brigade has two Ambulances and seven doctors”.

Later, the Minister visited the Guard post of Agathonissi, where he addressed the personnel, underlining the following:

“I do not need to tell you how important what you do is. You defend the limits, not of our geographical space, but of our national space.

This is a huge honour for you, but also the ultimate service to the Country and to Greek society, especially during times when someone might consider that the country is experiencing weakness. I would like to thank you on behalf of the Greek society and the Greek people for what you do and I am certain that you do your job in the best possible way”.

At Agathonissi, the Minister of National Defence had a brief meeting with the island’s Mayor Evangelos Kottoros, from whom he was briefed on matters preoccupying the borderline island’s inhabitants.