On Wednesday, 21 August 2019, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Alkiviadis Stefanis visited the Hellenic Contingent’s headquarters in Kosovo (HELLENIC CONTINGENT-3), in ‘Film City’ camp, Pristina.

After being briefed by the Hellenic Mission’s Command, the Deputy Minister addressed its personnel. He pointed out that the presence of the Hellenic Contingent in Kosovo, operating constantly and successfully since the summer of 1999, is a message that our Armed Forces are powerful. He also pointed out the great responsibility that the Hellenic Contingent bears in projecting our Flag outside and beyond the Greek borders.

He emphasized the outstanding image and the high level of professionalism of the Hellenic Contingent’s personnel, since it constitutes a matter of discussion, receiving extremely positive comments and distinction of merit by the Kosovo Allied Force command, for executing their duties reliably, to support KFOR’s objective.

At the same time, he encouraged the personnel to keep on promoting the international image of our country, in every action (personally and professionally) they take, sending a message that our country is strong and determined with regard to its national interests, that it will be present in the region due to its national obligations, since the Balkans constitute a strategic objective, and we, as a country contribute to this objective, through stability and display of power.

Finally, the Deputy Minister stressed that the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence is proud of the work, the role and the contribution of the Hellenic Contingent in Kosovo-3, with regard to their efforts for peace and stability in the region.

In the context of his visit, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, met with the Ambassadress, Mrs Chrysoula Aliferi, the head of Pristina Liaison Office, and the Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander, Major General Lorenzo D’Addario (Italian Army) and discussed matters of mutual interest.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence was accompanied by the Hellenic 1st Army/EU-OHQ Commander, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Floros.