The Deputy Minister of National Defense Mr. Nikolaos Hardalias today Tuesday 27 and tomorrow Wednesday 28 September 2022, is making a series of visits to the headquarters of Groups, Units, Services and Guard Stations of the Army and the Navy in the islands of the Eastern Aegean.

Specifically, the Deputy Minister of National Defense today, Tuesday, September 27, will visit the islands of Ikaria, Fourni, Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros and Tilos, while tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28, he will visit the islands of Chalki, Kasos and Astypalaia.

He will also visit the NIKIFOROS Gunboat as part of its participation in Operation “Surveillance of the Eastern Aegean Islands” and the TROUPAKIS Guided Missile Fast Patrol Boat which is participating in the “COASTAL IDENTIFICATION 2022” Exercise.

In addition, Mr. Hardalias will hold meetings with the local Municipal, Regional and Religious Authorities, the Commanders of the Security Forces and the residents of the islands.

The Deputy Minister of National Defense will be accompanied by the Commander of the Supreme Military Command of the Interior and Islands Lt. Gen. Dimitrios Houpi and the Senior Commanders of the local Formations.

In view of his two-day visit, the Deputy Minister of National Defense states the following:

“Our message is clear: Greece throughout time and with respect to International Law, including the Law of the Sea, seeks understanding and good neighborly relations in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Our country was and remains a force for peace and stability in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean. Issues of defense armor and strengthening our deterrent power, as well as issues of national sovereignty, remain non-negotiable!».