Today, Tuesday 07 October 2025, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of National Defence and the Hellenic Red Cross.

The Memorandum was signed by the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and the President of the Hellenic Red Cross Dr. Antonios Avgerinos.

The signing ceremony, held at “Ioannis Kapodistrias” Hall of the Ministry of National Defence, was also attended by the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, and the Commanding General of the Constructions and Natural Disasters Relief Command/HNDGS, Lieutenant General Mihail Klouvas.

Mr. Dendias stated in his address:

“I am really pleased that today we will proceed to the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of National Defence and the Hellenic Red Cross.

The Hellenic Red Cross is the oldest humanitarian organisation of the country. It was established in June 1877 and, since then, it serves steadily the Greek society and the idea of man. I believe that their work is recognised both within Greece, but also beyond its borders.

The Red Cross stood always by the side of the Greek society every time it was in need.

On the other hand, the Hellenic Armed Forces are no longer limited to the hard core of their role, which is the defence of our Country’s national independence and sovereignty. They stand by the side of the society overall, they serve collective security and the protection of human life, property and dignity; the commodity of property, dignity and life of all Greek citizens.

I believe that the Command of Natural Disasters, the new Command of Natural Disasters has proven its value by now. The Memorandum, which we will sign in a while with the President of the Red Cross, makes this cooperation real, with specific and clearly measurable actions. It is not a vague Memorandum.

It regards the provision of specialised paramedic training of the Armed Forces’ personnel, so that they can develop skills of first response to disasters, whenever needed. It can certify the personnel of the Special Units of the Armed Forces to face disasters, so that they can operate with safety and effectiveness, in cooperation with the Hellenic Red Cross on the field. It is a five-year agreement. Allow me to say that this is its third renewal, projecting the solid devotion of both sides to the subject they serve.

As far as the Armed Forces are concerned, the difference is their constantly expanding role regarding the protection of the Greek society and the Greeks, in times of need.

Therefore, I would like to thank the President of the Hellenic Red Cross, Mr. Antonis Avgerinos, for his devotion to this cooperation.

I would also like to have the opportunity to thank the volunteers, women and men, of the Hellenic Red Cross for two reasons: For their incessant contribution, but also for the example they set for us all. The example of contribution to society. I think that this is equally important.

I would like to assure you that, in the same spirit, the Armed Forces will always be by the side of the Greek society. Both I and the Deputy Minister Mr. Davakis, and the Government in total, as every Government of our Country, are firmly devoted to this cause.

Mister President, I warmly thank you for your presence here today”.

On his side, Mr. Avgerinos stated:

“Honourable Minister, honourable Deputy Minister, General, believe me, the signing of today’s Memorandum is a special honour and joy.

I reckon it is the reward of the continuous realignment and companionship that the Hellenic Red Cross shares with the Armed Forces and this, allow me to say, is the result of common principles, perceptions and positions on matters of humanism, solidarity, social contribution and, at the same time, of the possibility to face timely and effectively matters of natural disasters and infectious diseases, whenever and wherever they arise.

I would also like to stress that the Hellenic Red Cross, as you said before, since 1877, has a consistent and continuous course of 148 years and it will continue to remain the invincible rampart of voluntary contribution and solidarity. The overpowering pioneer, aid, deacon, assistant, invisible hero of the Hellenic state, always responding immediately and effectively to any arising need.

Honestly, we have, as you have said, a hidden arsenal. It is our volunteers who are really distinguished, they have a unique training, a know-how and an equipment that constitutes them distinguished and capable when called upon to save human lives, to offer this humanitarian work for which they have joined the Hellenic Red Cross.

I would like to stress that our fighting spirit is refracted and has an ecumenical dimension beyond Greece, because our participation, our contribution to needs arising in various countries proves our operational completeness and readiness. Nine times in Ukraine, one time in Odessa, an especially symbolic city for Hellenism, where we delivered, in the presence of the Greek Consul General, 40 tons of products for assistance. Three times in Turkey after the earthquaques, two times in Syria, by sea through Latakia. We also delivered in Palestine, Gaza and Beirut through the Egyptian Red Cross and recently, three months ago, another 30 tons container in Sudan, where a huge civil war is raging.

Consequently, I would like to stress, honourable Minister, that we will continue in the same fighting spirit, the one we have already started with the General, as assistants to the Unit of constructions and natural disasters relief with our own volunteers, who have the necessary training, capability, equipment, so that we contribute to the Armed Forces, as always, what we owe and what we believe in.

Be certain that we will honour our signature.

Once again, the warmest thanks Minister”.