The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos visited the Defence Command of the Island Group of Meyisti, where he discussed with the military and civilian personnel, as well as with the inhabitants of Kastelorizo Island, in the context of his visit to military units of the Dodecanese, to guard posts and to borderline islands’ HQs.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos, who stayed overnight at Kastelorizo, was accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Michail Kostarakos, the Commander of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands Lieutenant General Vassilios Tellidis and the Commander of the 95 Higher National Guard Battalions Command Major General Nikolaos Devetzis.

After the end of their visit, Mr. Panagiotopoulos made the following statement:

“Here at Kastelorizo, at the Island Group of Meyisti, lies the entry to the Greek Territory, but also the European Union.

Therefore, from this spot, I would like to send a clear message to all directions: Despite the budget cuts that were mandatory so that the country could avoid bankruptcy, the Hellenic Armed Forces still are and will carry on being the greatest guarantor for national security, national sovereignty, the country’s independence and integrity, under any circumstances.

This is something we owe to the sacrifices made by the Greek people. Yet, we also owe it, before and above anything else, to the complete devotion all the personnel serving in the Hellenic Armed Forces have to their duty, their professionalism and their patriotism.

They deserve a public praise and our honest and heartfelt congratulations to everyone, the leadership, the staff officers, the commanders, the officers, the NCOs and of course the plain soldiers, the conscripts, our children who are present all across the Hellenic territory, so as to be able to ensure these great benefits: security, integrity and independence.

Especially here, at the borderline islands, the borders, Evros, as well as the rear, where support services, which are so necessary for the people at the frontline to be able to accomplish their mission, operate”.

• It should be noted that Mr. Panagiotopoulos, after staying overnight at Kastelorizo island, continued his tour at Strongili and Ro islands.