On Monday, October 15, 2018, HNDGS Chief, Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis HN, visited the Embassy of Greece in Washington, where he met with the Greek Ambassador to the U.S.A, Mr. Haris Lalacos. He also met with Greek Armed Forces personnel serving in the region.
On Monday afternoon, HNDGS Chief participated in a round table discussion held by the Atlantic Council, in collaboration with the American Hellenic Institute and chaired by the former NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow.
HNDGS Chief, in his statements, pointed out that:
- The bilateral long-standing strategic relationship is highlighted by the recent visits of the Minister of National Defence, in USA and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford US MC, in Greece.
- The current security environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and MENA region, makes it imperative to develop international defense synergies.
- Hellenic Armed Forces undertake initiatives to promote bilateral and multilateral military cooperation with states in the Balkans and MENA region. HNDGS Chief underlined Hellenic Armed Forces-led regional initiatives, such as the multinational exercises “INIOCHOS”, “MEDOUSA”, “NOBLE DINA”, “SALAMIS STORM 18”, and the “Balkan Countries CHODs Conference”.
- Greece fulfills its commitments in NATO, EU and UN.
- Turkey demonstrates destabilizing role and problematic stance internationally. At this point, HNDGS Chief stressed the violations of the Aegean territorial waters and airspace by Turkish warships and aircrafts, faced with determination by Hellenic armed forces
- The strategic significance of the Souda Base infrastructure.
- The Hellenic Armed Forces are being reorganized.
On Tuesday, October 16, 2018, HNDGS Chief will participate in the “2018 Chiefs of Defensive Conference to Counter-Violent Extremist Organizations”, held by General Joseph F. Dunford, US MC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
