Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attend Memorial Event for 74th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War

Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attend Memorial Event for 74th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War

June 27, 2024

On Tuesday 25 June 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, attended the memorial event for the 74^th Anniversary of the Outbreakof the Korean War, held at the Memorial of Fallen Greeks in the Korean War, in Aghios Georgios Square, at the Municipality of Papagos-Holargos.

The event was attended by the Chief of HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Greece Mr. Jung II Lee, representatives of embassies, local government, diplomats, the President of the Pan-Hellenic Veterans Association of the Korean War Major General (ret.) Stylianos Drakos, veterans of the War, as well as members of their families.

Mr. Kefalogiannis pointed out that Greece honours the Fallen Heroes in the battlefields of Korea, as well as the Veterans, for their noble sacrifices, the bravery and the important role they played in defending the values of freedom and democracy, reassuring that their historical heritage will be efficiently preserved. At the same time, he pointed out that Greece and the Republic of Korea share a close friendship forged by the respect of International Law, the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of all states, as well as the condemnation of all forms of revisionism, stressing that the cooperation between the two countries can have a beneficial effect on the joint effort to promote peace, security, and economic growth.

In his address, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated among other things:

The cordial relations between our countries are based on common principles and values with traditionally friendly and strong historic ties, as is proved by the participation of the Greek Expeditionary Force in the Korean War. Let us remember that the Hellenic forces in Korea were in constant battles from January 1951 until the ceasefire of July 1953, many times under conditions of extreme cold. The operations of the Hellenic Air Force were equally admirable, carrying supplies, casualties, and helping the United Nations Forces under extreme weather conditions and virtually non-existent runways. The valour and actions of the Greek soldiers in the battles that determined the course of the war are memorable, with 195 dead and 610 injured among the 10,255 Greeks who participated in the operations in Korea from 1950 to 1955.

Greece honours the Fallen Heroes in the battlefields of Korea, as well as the Veterans, for their noble sacrifices, the bravery and the important role they played in defending the values of freedom and democracy. We will preserve their historical heritage and we will always be by their side and the side of their families.

Before I conclude, allow me to thank the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and its government for sending a clear message that the government and the people of the Republic of Korea do not forget the history of the Greek Expeditionary Force in the Korean War and their sacrifice in the altar of freedom. Greece and the Republic of Korea share a close friendship that is forged by the respect of International Law, the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of all states, as well as the condemnation of all forms of revisionism. The cooperation between two countries with the same concerns and sensitivities across a broad spectrum of political issues can have a beneficial effect on the joint effort to promote peace, security, and economic growth."