BALKAN COUNTRIES CHIEFS OF DEFENCE CONFERENCE ON
IMPROVEMENT OF STABILITY AND SECURITY AT REGIONAL LEVEL
Improving co-operation and security at regional level will be the focus of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the Balkan area, during their first conference, to be held at Thessaloniki, Greece, on the 18th of April 2007.
The CHODs of the ten countries in the region, namely Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey will explore courses of action for solid and effective co-operation across Southeastern Europe. This initiative is aiming at strengthening the bonds amongst the mentioned countries, through cooperation, transparency and promotion of the valuable regional security and stability, while taking into account the significant role of NATO and the EU in the region.
Furthermore the CHODs will identify “modus operanda” to developing the proper instruments, mechanisms and approaches to improve communication, maximize the effectiveness of a coordinated response to regional challenges and increase synergy at regional level.
The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Evangelos Meimarakis will address the conference.
The Chairman of the EU Military Committee and the Commander Joint Force Command Naples will attend the conference.
The conference will be open to the media for the opening speeches, in the morning of April 18, 2007. A press conference will also take place, at the close of the conference.
Emmanuel Velonias
Captain, Hellenic Navy
HNDGS Spokesman