The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos had successive meetings with the Boards of Directors of the Hellenic Aerospace & Defence Industries Group and the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materials Association.

Specifically, Mr. Panagiotopoulos met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Aerospace & Defence Industries Group (HADIG) Mr. George Troullinos, the Vice Chairman Mr. Konstantinos Koutsos, the General Secretary Mr. Dimitrios Papakostas and the Treasurer Mr. Alexandros Kantzis.

Later, the Minister of National Defence met with the Chairman of the SEKPY (Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materials Association) Board of Directors Mr. Tassos Rozolis, the General Secretary Mr. Panagiotis Papapetrou and the Treasurer Mr. Thanassis Kalafatis.

Matters pertaining to the Hellenic Defence Industry and its growth, so that it can supply for local and international needs, were discussed.

The meetings were also attended by the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Panaghiotis Karambelas, the Special Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence Mr. Antonis Oikonomou, the General Director of the General Directorate of Defence Investments & Armaments (GDDIA) Mr. Dimitris Georgiopoulos and the Deputy General Director of GDDIA Major General (AF) Ioannis Kalivas.

After the completion of the meetings, the Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos and the Chairman of the SEKPY Board of Directors Mr. Tassos Rozolis made the following statements:

P. PANAGIOTOPOULOS: “As political leadership, we had today meetings with the broad representation of businessmen active in the country’s Defence Industry; a sector that is currently experiencing its own difficulties, such as all other sectors of the Hellenic industry.

We have made it clear that the Ministry’s intention is to stand by their side, support them, support the initiatives towards extroversion, combine our official visits abroad with their own ventures and help such endeavours towards other countries. Moreover, support their productive activity within our country.

We have heard them with great attention. The problems are numerous, yet I think that all together, with solidarity and concord, each one on his own behalf, we can support this enterprise, overcome the difficulties, stand on our feet and move towards the future.

I would like to thank the representatives of the broader spectrum of groups and companies, active in the sector of Defence Industry in Greece, for our cooperation which will in any case be enduring and enhanced day by day”.

T. ROZOLIS: “The situation in Defence Industry is very critical. Our effort is towards giving solutions and perspective to this sector. After today’s meeting I believe that we can all be more optimistic. Thank you”.