Home > 3rd position> The Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attends the Multinational Field Exercise with Troops "GOLDEN SWORD - 24"

The Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attends the Multinational Field Exercise with Troops "GOLDEN SWORD - 24"

November 28, 2024

The Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Giannis Kefalogiannisattended today, Thursday 28 November 2024, the Distinguished Visitors Day of the Multinational Field Exercise with Troops "GOLDEN SWORD - 24", which took place at the Firing Range and Exercise Field of Askos Profiti, accompanied by the Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidisand the Commanding General of C' Army Corps/NRDC-GR Lieutenant General Athanasios Garinis.

The exercise was also observed by the Commanding General of the 1^stArmy/EU-OHQ "ACHILLEAS" Lieutenant General Dimokritos Konstandakos, the Commanding General of the D΄ Army Corps "THRAKI" Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, the Mayoress of Lagadas Ms Elpiniki Andreadou, representatives of foreign diplomatic delegations, the Church of Greece and active and retired Officers of the Armed Forces.

The exercise of the C΄ Army Corps/NRDC-GR "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" is being conducted from 25 to 29 November 2024 and is a LIVEX/FTX (Live Exercise/Field Training Exercise).

In this framework, the Airmobile Group of the Army of Bulgaria, a Special Forces Group of the Army of France, as well as Observers from Bulgaria, France and Romania participated in the exercise.

During its conduct, the participants had the opportunity to exercise in offensive operation scenarios at the tactical level, as well as Special Forces Operations in depth, by utilising paratroopers, aiming to improve the training and the operational capabilities of the participants.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence, in an address he made from the Observation Post, stressed among other things:

"I gladly welcome you to Greece and the Firing Range and Exercise Field of Askos Profiti for the Distinguished Visitors Day of the Multinational Field Exercise with Troops "GOLDEN SWORD - 24". I am very happy to have you here today for this significant exercise.

Our nations are connected by common principles and values, with a deep commitment to Intentional Law, the United Nations Charter, the Security Council's Resolution and the Convention on the Law of the Sea. These ideals reinforce the strong bonds of friendship and peace which unite us, while they motivate us to substantially contribute to the security, stability and prosperity of the wider region of the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. As a basic player in this strategically significant geopolitical region, Greece actively participates in military diplomacy, assuming a key role in the promotion of defence initiatives and the enhancement of bilateral, trilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries sharing our main principles and values.

There is no doubt that in the current world, new challenges have emerged, which constitute severe threats, not only for our region but also for the overall global security. These challenges deteriorate the already fragile geopolitical environment we are facing, increasing concerns for the security between states.

In this framework, exercises between allies and partners are required, setting the conditions for the enhancement of combative capabilities, the improvement of joint readiness, the strengthening of interoperability and the deepening of regional cooperation.

Through coordinated efforts, Greece strives to establish strategic cooperations which enhance our security, while at the same time they underline our stabilisation and constructive role. In this framework, Greece will remain a reliable, strong and stable NATO ally, dedicated to its commitment to constitute a pillar of stability in the Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and North Africa".

Addressing the Exercising Detachments Mr Kefalogiannis, among other things, stated the following:

"Officers and NCOs of the Armed Forces of Bulgaria, France, Romania and Greece,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Greece and the Firing Range and Exercise Field of Askos Profiti for the Multinational Field Exercise with Troops "GOLDEN SWORD - 24".

Your high morale, your performance, full of courage and strength, demonstrate the high level of your training, as well as your operational readiness and capability to counter any threat, regardless of origin. This exercise has been an exceptional opportunity to train along with soldiers from states which share the same principles and values, with a deep commitment to Intentional Law, the United Nations Charter, the Security Council's Resolution and the Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Through this exercise, we strive to improve our interoperability and enhance our deterrence capability, through joint combined operations throughout the fields, as well as improve our capability to deter common threats and challenges in an ever-changing world. Through such exercises, we develop the required dexterities for the improvement of our combative capabilities, we enhance our joint readiness and we secure that we can cooperate unhindered. This type of training reinforces the bonds between our forces and prepares us for the challenges we may face in the future.

Furthermore, the "GOLDEN SWORD - 24" does not pertain solely to tactics and manoeuvres. It pertains to the building of relations, the bridging of differences between cultures, languages and traditions. It is about acknowledging that our collective strength needs unity, cooperation and mutual respect. Together, we will ensure the security and prosperity of our region and we will emerge mightier, more resilient and better prepared for what the future may hold. Your presence and readiness guarantee Liberty, Peace and Democracy throughout the region of Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Finally, I would like to congratulate all the hosts on the exquisite effort they made. Thank you all, because, with your strength and capability, you make every citizen of our countries feel certain that we can defeat any threat against our Liberty and Democracy".