On 17 February 2025, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Minister of National Defence, accompanied by the Chief/HNGS, Vice Admiral Dimitrios Eleftherios Kataras HN, visited the International Defence Exhibition “IDEX & NAVDEX 2025” in Abu Dhabi, in which Greece participates with a national pavilion.
Mr Dendias inaugurated the Greek Pavilion and met with representatives of the Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defence Industries Group (HASDIG), as well as representatives of defence companies and defence technology companies.
The Minister of National Defence stated in his address:
“It is a great joy to welcome you here today to the Greek pavilion of IDEX in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A country which is friendly towards Greece. A country with which we are connected in many ways, with which we also have a Defence Agreement, which I had the great honour of signing on behalf of the Government, alongside my friend, Sheikh Abdullah [Abdullah Βin Zayed Al Nahyan], in 2020.
IDEX is an important – one of the most important – global Exhibitions. I consider our important presence here to be a great success. I would like to congratulate Enterprise Greece for its Effort, and also the Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defence Industries Group.
It is very pleasant to walk the corridors of the Exhibition, albeit as a spectator and observe Greek companies while they present the products of Greek innovation.
I would like to tell you that – I think it is obvious – while our country is entering a new era, we are showcasing the abilities of Greek genius to create innovative products. And steer the Greek defence ecosystem into a new era.
In a few days, in Athens, we will have the opportunity to present the new armaments programme on behalf of the Ministry of National Defence, in order for the Greek people to see the programming conducted on the foundations of its own contributions, so that our country may enjoy the supreme gift of security and national dignity.
Yet, being here, in Abu Dhabi, I would like to say that I feel proud of what Greek companies, Greek genius, and Greek manual work can put forth before foreign visitors.
Congratulations”.
Subsequently in a local harbour, the Minister visited the Hellenic Navy Frigate “HYDRA”, which participated in the European Operation ASPIDES (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES).
The inauguration was attended by the General Director of the General Directorate for Defence Investments and Armaments, Major General Ioannis Bouras, as well as the Ambassador of Greece in Abu Dhabi, Antonis Alexandridis.
Mr Dendias was briefed by the Captain of the frigate “HYDRA” Commander I. Mantzouris HN concerning its mission, and discussed with its’ officers and crew. Subsequently, addressing the crew of Frigate “HYDRA”, he pointed out:
“Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Captain, crew members,
It is a great honour to be here with you today, in the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi. You are part of operation “ASPIDES”, an operation in which Greece has played a leading role from the start, as the Greek name demonstrates.
“ASPIDES” is important to us, to each and every Greek, since it safeguards goods which concern the Country’s interests as well as those of Greek citizens.
Initially, freedom of seafaring. We are a maritime people, a maritime country. I think we all understand what the potential of anyone, at any time, blockading the maritime routes to our Country means. The Red Sea and Suez are some of these. 12% of global trade passes through Suez.
Secondly, something much more concrete and countable. It concerns the prices of goods on the shelves of Greek shops, Greek supermarkets. The cost of transporting them around Africa ends up as a loss to the Greek citizen. Either way, Greece is a great naval power, and ought to concern itself with affairs pertaining to the Law of the Sea.
I would like to tell you all, as I have told all the ships’ crews which have hitherto participated in “ASPIDES”, that I am aware you are operating in a danger zone. I am well aware that our Country has sent you to fulfil your constitutional obligation to a region where safety is not guaranteed.
I would like you to know that the wishes of every Greek citizen are with you, as is Greece’s pride in knowing our flag is flying in far-away seas, albeit of great importance to us.
There lies yet another great success of yours. I mean “Centaur”, the first anti-drone system of Greek design and manufacture, which has proven its worth in the Red Sea, and will henceforth equip all our units, all our Navy’s frigates, in order to defend our country against any threat.
Captain,
I want to congratulate you on the manner in which you are executing your mission, and through you I want to congratulate each and every one serving aboard the “HYDRA”. I expect to welcome you back to our Homeland, shortly before Easter.
Thank you very much”.
In the framework of his visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Minister of National Defence met the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
