The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos pointed out the vast consequences the cosmogony affected in financial matters evoked at geostrategic and geopolitical level, declaring the works of the “EXPOSEC DEFENSEWORLD 2013” for Defence and Security conference open, taking place in Athens and organised by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence.

As the Minister underlined “even the most distrustful or extreme conservative can realise that the break-through effected in the field of financial developments and growth, have imminent social consequences, as well as enormous consequences on matters of geostrategics and geopolitics. Besides, this is confirmed by the latest developments in the Republic of Cyprus”.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos characterised national and internal security a supreme benefit, coming before economy. For this reason – as he mentioned – “as Greek society, we are obliged to ensure the supreme benefits of national and internal security to all Greek citizens”.

The Minister of National Defence mentioned that the contribution of the country’s Armed Forces to the procedure of national salvation and reform during a period when painful yet necessary budget cuts were made, was of decisive and historical importance. “It is in honour of the Armed Forces” he said, “that they maintain high effectiveness, operational readiness and spirit, thus being the fundamental pylon of our country’s deterrent capability. They ensure national sovereignty, independence and respect to the Hellenic Republic’s borders”.

In conclusion, Mr. Panagiotopoulos underlined that “we must all realise that we owe much to the Armed Forces” and he assured that “the country and the government are aware of all this and from the beginning of the financial reform, what is due will be reimbursed”.