On Wednesday, 06 February 2019, the Alternate Minister of National Defence Panagiotis Rigas stated the following from Xanthi:
“The Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey is the best answer to what the opposition has long failed to accept, the fact that keeping communication channels open and having meetings with our neighbours is the way to go, even more so in case of tension, either at the level of rhetoric or actual.
At the same time, the Prime Minister’s presence in Halki today is a historical moment for our country, the Church, and the Patriarchate, since it is the first such visit since the first visit by Eleftherios Venizelos. Furthermore, his presence at Hagia Sofia is also a highly symbolic moment; but the most important moment during the visit to Turkey is the message sent by our side during the talks between President Erdoğan and the Prime Minister. A message of respect for International Agreements and peaceful coexistence. Our country is a pillar of stability for the region and the Hellenic Armed Forces remain focused on their defensive doctrine, while at the same time being ready to exercise their deterrent role against any aggression.
We seek peace in the region and this is the message we send to all peoples”.
