The Minister of National Defence, Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos participated, on Thursday 21 July 2022, as the Keynote Speaker in the ΑΗΕΡΑ (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) Conference in Orlando Florida, which celebrated the 100th Anniversary since the establishment of that historical Expatriate Organisation, which has greatly contributed to the nation.
Other speakers of the Conference were His Eminence the Archbishop of America Mr Elpidophoros, the US Congressman of Florida’s 12th Congressional District Mr Gus Bilirakis and the Supreme President, Order of AHEPA Mr Jimmy Kokotas.
During his speech, the Minister showcased the importance of the Organisation’s work, throughout the years, for the promotion of the national matters, stressing that the Expatriates offer substantial services to our Homeland to counter threats and provocations and at the same time they constitute the most valuable chapter and priceless force and security factor for our Nation.
Mr Panagiotopoulos mentioned the work conducted, based on the guidelines of the Prime Minister Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the Ministry of National Defence for the further enhancement of Greece’s deterrent capabilities and the country’s shielding against any threat, stressing that “Greece does not threaten and is not threatened”.
He also mentioned the provocative and illegal actions of Turkey, in violation of International Law, underlining its destabilising role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region.
Regarding the relations between Greece and the USA, he stressed that they stand at an exceptionally high level, while the strategic defence relation substantially contributes to the security and stability of the region, especially showcasing the pivotal role of Alexandroupolis Port in the context of the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement.
