The Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, awarded on Tuesday 25 November 2025 the Commendation for Valor and Merit to the Ambassador of Bosnia – Herzegovina Lieutenant General (ret.) Vukovic Dragan as a Distinguished Foreign Graduate of the National Defence College in a ceremony that was held at the College’s premises. The Deputy Minister was welcomed by the Commander of the National Defence College Lieutenant General Athanasios Sardellis.
After the award ceremony, the Deputy Minister toured the College’s premises, was briefed on the organization, mission, educational work, study and training programmes, and delivered a speech to the students of the 78th Training Series.
Mr. Davakis stated in his address amongst other things:
“It is an honour for me to be here today, at the National Defence College, an institution that has consistently provided the highest level of strategic education in the country. The National Defence College is the place where the experience of the Armed Forces, academic knowledge, and the need for constant adaptation to the demands of a rapidly changing international environment come together.
You know very well that at the heart of it all is a factor that cannot be replaced by technology or equipment: people. The operational capability of the Armed Forces begins with the quality of their personnel. That is why personnel welfare is a constant priority for us. We are upgrading military hospitals, greatly expanding the housing programme, and improving procedures and infrastructure. The quality of life of our personnel is an integral part of the country’s deterrent power.
And it is important to recognize that the College contributes to something else as well: the country’s defence diplomacy. From 1952 to the present day, foreign students from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia have studied in each series. These classes of graduates constitute a network of strategic value for the country. The cooperation, shared understanding, and personal relationships formed here are transferred to the capitals and security structures of their countries.
In this context, I would like to refer to the Ambassador Mr. Dragan Vukovic, graduate of 2002 – 2003 class from Bosnia – Herzegovina, whom we are honouring today. His career demonstrates the value of the National Defence College and its graduates.
I am confident that the National Defence College will continue to produce high-quality graduates who are fully prepared to meet the needs of an era that demands sobriety, expertise, and strategic thinking.”
