On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attended the Reception for the Japan Self-Defence Forces Day at the Ambassador’s residence in Athens.
He was received by HE the Ambassador of Japan to Greece, Mr. Ito Koichi, with the Defence Attaché, Colonel Matsuzaki Shu.
During the event, the Deputy Minister had the opportunity to discuss matters of bilateral interest with Japanese and Greek officials, focusing on prospects of enhanced cooperation in the areas of Defence, Security, and Technology. Furthermore, he emphasised the strong ties of friendship between Greece and Japan, as well as their common orientation towards international peace and stability.
The event took place in a particularly warm atmosphere, reaffirming the mutual will for further enhancement of bilateral relations.
After the ceremony, Mr. Davakis made the following statement:
“Greece and Japan may be far apart on the map, but our common values bring us very close together. We believe in peace, stability, cooperation. As states which share these principles, we must work together, engaging in closer political dialogue, deeper defence contacts, and stronger understanding against international challenges”.
