On Friday, 13 October, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis attended the wreath laying by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Duck-soo Han, in honour of the Veterans of the Korean War, followed by a dinner held by the South Korean Prime Minister in their honour.
The wreath laying took place at the Memorial to the Fallen Greeks in the Korean War of 1950, at the Square of Aghios Georgios in the Municipality of Papagos – Holargos, in the presence of the Mayor, Mr. Ilias Apostolopoulos, veterans of the War, as well as their families.
In his address during the dinner, the Deputy Minister stated, among others:
“73 years ago, our country, responding to the call of the United Nations, raised its flag among the 22 allies who sent military personnel, air, and land forces to Korea.
The cooperation between the two countries with the same concerns and sensibilities on a wide range of political matters is of the highest importance and may function as a force multiplier for the promotion of peace, security, and economic development.
There are significant prospects of cooperation in the fields of innovation, high technology, and green development, mainly renewable energy sources and waste management.
Both countries respect International Law, national sovereignty, sovereign rights, and the territorial integrity of all states, while they condemn all forms of revisionism.
The possibilities of upgrading our mutual cooperation at the strategic level are great. It is equally important that the dialogue be enhanced on regional and international matters of common interest concerning the United Nations Charter and International Law.
We support the veterans of the Korean War and their families. We will preserve their historical legacy, recognising their contribution to the defence of the values of freedom and democracy in a spirit of sacrifice and heroism.”
Finally, he expressed his condolences to the family of Akrivos Tsolakis, who passed away recently, stating that “We honour his heroism, his bravery, and his memory”.
