The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European[...]

Home >1st position> The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell visit the "PSARA" Frigate in Djibouti

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell visit the "PSARA" Frigate in Djibouti

July 8, 2024

The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendiasand the High Representative of the European Unionfor Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrellvisited today, Saturday 6 July 2024, the "PSARA" Frigate, at a Djibouti port, in the context of its participation in EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

Mr Dendias and Mr Borrell were accompanied by the Chief of HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupisand the Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN.

During the visit, Mr Dendias was briefed by the Frigate "PSARA" Commander on its mission. Subsequently, addressing the crew of the Frigate "PSARA", the Minister of National Defence noted:

"Good morning to you all,

It is with great joy that I see you again after a few days, here in Djibouti. I am here with the High Representative of the European Union, Mr Josep Borrell, and the reason of my visit is, to yet again express the gratitude and recognition of Greek society for what you are doing; initially in the interests of our country, but also in the interests of Europe. Earlier, we had a meeting with the European, Dutch, in situ Commander, in the presence of Admiral Gryparis, the Operation ASPIDES Commander.

We discussed how important the effort of the European flotilla is, in safeguarding the access to European ports, and liberty of navigation.

I will not hide what I told you in Salamis prior to departure:

I know that we are sending you to a danger zone; already, this evening you will be escorting a ship through the "High Risk Zone". Nevertheless, besides the pride I feel in seeing the Greek flag flying on your mast as you are sailing through the Red Sea, I would like to tell you that this operation is of outstanding importance. For every Greek citizen, for every European citizen. If freedom of navigation is obstructed, the market turbulence, the rising inflation, the loss of working places, will deeply affect the Greek society. They will deeply affect the European society. You are here, defending the interests of each and every Greek. Again, I warmly thank you for what you are doing.

I express the gratitude and pride of the Greek society, the Greek government, the Greek people, and I hope to greet you yet again, safe and sound, in Salamis, once you have returned.

Once again, thank you and Godspeed".

Inahighlysymbolicalmove, theMinisterofNationalDefencehandedto the Frigate's Commanderthe historic flag of Psara, which had been offered by the island's mayorand constitutes a token ofmoral and operationaluplift. The white flag depicts in crimson colour the anchor for hope, the Cross as a testimony of faith and the spear as a proof of firmness. A snake can be seen around the anchor as a symbol of the strength of the Greek Nation, whose tongue bites an own, a symbolism showing the wisdom with which the Struggle for Freedom had to be conducted.

The Minister of National Defence met also with the President of the Greek Community in Djibouti Marios Armenakis.