Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Meets Representatives of World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association – WHIA

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Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Meets Representatives of World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association - WHIA

July 23, 2024

On Tuesday 23 July 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, met representatives of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association - WHIA at the Ministry of National Defence, while accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis.

Current geopolitical developments and matters of national interest were discussed.

Mr. Kefalogiannis expressed his appreciation for the significant role that the WHIA plays in strengthening the bonds between Greeks living in the mainland and abroad, in promoting our national interests, and in sensitising the international public opinion on national matters of critical significance. At the same time, he underlined that Greece constitutes a pillar of peace, security, and stability in the broader Eastern Mediterranean area, by promoting defence diplomacy and creating alliances with countries with which it shares common values and respect for International Law. He also mentioned that our Country has adapted its defence and security agenda to current and future needs, modernising the national defence industry by putting emphasis in innovation and constantly enhancing the capabilities and operational readiness of the Armed Forces.

Among other things, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated the following in his address:

"It is a great pleasure for us to welcome you again in the Ministry of National Defence. We truly value the important role that the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA) plays in the strengthening of the bonds between Greeks living in the mainland and abroad. Your support and contribution through multiple initiatives are of utmost importance, as they promote our national interests and sensitise the international public opinion on national matters of critical importance. Your supportive efforts enhance the will of Greece to build stronger alliances with the countries which you represent, as well as with other countries with which we share the same vision and values, both of which are based upon the rules of International Law.

Sadly, the Russian invasion is still ongoing. The EU and NATO continue providing Ukraine with constant assistance in practice and with unwavering political support, as it bravely continues its just struggle for freedom and independence against Russia. Greece maintains its continuous support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. Our Country continues utilising the port of Alexandroupolis as the hub for a supply chain of energy and supplies for the allied mission for assistance, highlighting a distinct geopolitical significance for Ukraine and for the whole Eastern Wing of NATO. Having in mind the framework of the current uncertain security situation in the area of the Black Sea, the upgrading of transport and energy infrastructure of the port constitutes a top priority for Greece.

Within the framework of the NATO Summit in Washington, where he accompanied the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, co-signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Ministers of Defence of Romania, A. Tilvar and Bulgaria, A. Zaprianov, regarding the establishment of a Military Mobility Corridor. The Letter of Intent regards road and railway corridors and the improvement of infrastructure and networks in areas such as Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis. Currently, the overall security situation in the Balkans is relatively stable. However, the area is facing a great number of issues and requires increased sensitisation, as well as the capability to defend and provide security, while targeting new threats and challenges.

Greece attributes great importance to the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans. We support the Euratlantic ambitions of Western Balkan countries in order to meet the requirements for their inclusion in this broader family. However, the state and political leadership of North Macedonia have systematically and persistently chosen not to use the constitutionally defined name of the country during internal public speech. This constitutes an outright violation of the "Prespa Agreement", which stipulates the overall use of the country's unique name, namely "North Macedonia", both on an internal and on an international level. Abiding by International Law and International Conditions constitutes the foundation of international peace and security. Hence, their selective application is unacceptable.

The security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean area is also deemed unstable, as it is directly affected by multi-faceted differences, such as racial, social, and religious matters. The Palestinian matter, the crisis in Libya, the civil conflicts in Syria, the financial crisis, the insecurity in maritime zones, and the lack of cooperation between the main actors in the Middle East all undermine regional stability. Additionally, revisionist countries have been taking advantage of internal turmoil and instability in Eastern Mediterranean countries, in order to promote their national interests and increase their influence. Within this complicated environment, Greece has proved itself to be an important asset and a pillar of stability and security for the broader area, having a positive contribution in the mitigation of potential conflicts, while being absolutely respectful of our sovereignty and our sovereign rights, as they occur from the International Maritime Law and from UNCLOS.

After great turmoil in the Aegean and in the Eastern Mediterranean, which were caused by Turkish actions and rhetoric, the casus belli, and revisionism, including the threat for the use of violence, we observe a calm atmosphere in the area. From the opening of bilateral communication channels between the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Turkish President, Erdogan, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs have agreed upon a road map of bilateral contact for the following months: a political dialogue, discussions regarding Trust Building Measures (Ministries of Defence), and meetings with a positive agenda (tourism, investments, agriculture, commerce, maritime affairs, and climate change). However, there are structural differences, which cannot be easily overcome, regarding matters of national interest, as the positions of Turkey are far off the rules which are based on International Law. Productive dialogue can be based on total respect of International Law by the Turkish side, including boundary treaties, Maritime Law, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Greece does not wish for an escalation of conflicts. On the contrary, it seeks to establish security and stability in the area. However, it is our duty to direct the attention of our allies and partners towards the outburst of Turkish provocative behaviour. Our message towards our Allies and partners is quite simple: In order for a similar situation like that in Ukraine to be avoided, we must create a barrier against revisionism, regardless of where it originates from.

Additionally, we become witnesses of a rapid decline of the significant humanitarian situation in Gaza, about which Greece expresses a deep concern, especially after the implementation of the plan for the invasion of Rafah, where more than 1 million civilians have sought refuge from the conflicts. Greece believes that we must develop a specific proposition which will solve the Palestinian matter, will allow for the unobstructed and holistic provision of humanitarian aid to the affected areas, and, finally, will solve the issue of hostages, thus terminating the continuous humanitarian crisis and preventing its spreading, either in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan or the Red Sea, which could potentially have dramatic consequences for humanity. We support the Humanitarian Mission "AMALTHIA". Greece is closely cooperating with its parters in the creation of a maritime corridor under the leadership of Cyprus, as an additional choice for the provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza. It contributes with humanitarian provisions missions and with financial contribution to UN services, which operate in order to help the Palestinian people on the spot. Failure in preventing the spreading of the crisis contains the danger of affecting stability in the broader area (through terrorist activity, increase in immigration flow, and radicalisation), as well as undermines all plans for a long lasting peace.

Also, we are facing another simultaneous "battlefield" in the Red Sea. The freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is under serious threat. The need for an immediate halt on hostilities is more imperative than ever for the securing of a viable peace and the restoration of stability. We are deeply worried about the continuous Houthi attacks, which have already caused enormous consequences. Greece, as a seafaring nation with a dominant role in international maritime affairs, places particular importance on the security at sea, the protection of our seamen, and on the need for the freedom of navigation to be secured internationally. Our country, as a leading state member of the "EU NAVFOR ASPIDES" naval operation, has completely disposed the Hellenic Operational Headquarters of the European Union (EL EU OHQ's) in Larissa, having a Greek Senior Officer as its Commander of Operations and has also deployed a Frigate in the area (Frigate "PSARA", based in Djibouti). Operation ASPIDES has thus far maintained maritime security, having tangible results by having accompanied more than 100 merchant vessels and having countered 16 missile attacks. The closeness among the Eastern Mediterranean, the continent of Africa, and the Middle East, all of which are areas that are currently facing security issues, creates a challenging environment for the West.

With this attitude, Greece promotes defence diplomacy, security, and stability through cooperation with various nations and by creating alliances with other countries of our broader neighbourhood. Our country has redirected its priorities, adapting its defence and security agenda to current and future needs. This requires new attempts towards that goal, including greater investments on innovative technologies for the development of military cutting-edge capabilities, the cover of strategic vacancies, and the reduction of technological and biomechanical dependency, thus modernising the national defence industry. We are creating a new, dynamic, and contemporary ecosystem of defence innovation. The "Hellenic Centre of Defence Innovation" will be responsible for the application and the monitoring of strategy and for the management of innovative solutions while cooperating with the academic community, research centres, and the general market. In conclusion, Greece is and will keep on being a pillar of stability and security in the area of the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the broader region. This is achieved through the respect for our duties and the fulfilment of our commitments, which have occurred from Agreements and International Treaties based on International Law. Greece is ready to undertake a proper peripheral role, thanks to its operational readiness and the capabilities of its Armed Forces".