“I met today with the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, Mr. Chuck Hagel, with whom I had a very cordial and friendly meeting and discussion, on matters of broad bilateral, as well as international, interest.
He asked my opinion on the developments in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Egypt, Libya. I was given the opportunity to present to him our country’s stances and views, since we are very close to the facts and developments in the area, always in the scope of cultivating reflection which will lead to what we all look forward to and anticipate; the consolidation of peace, security and cooperation in our broader region.
During our discussions, our country’s key strategic role in our broader neighborhood was highlighted. Greece, besides and beyond the financial crisis, which it manages with vigor, a plan and decisiveness, never ceases to be a stable and stabilizing agent.
Our region experiences a very difficult period and it is very important to have countries, such as Greece, playing a role in this corner of the planet. For millions of years, our country is at open discussion with all peoples and nations in the area. For this reason, it can help with the collective efforts made during the past years, aiming at consolidating peace again, leading the countries of our broad neighborhood to democratization, progress and growth.
In a few days, the Prime Minister of Greece will visit the United States and meet President Obama. We had the opportunity to refer to issues the Prime Minister will discuss during his visit here and relate to Defense.
The Hellenic Armed Forces, despite the fact that they have been affected by the financial crisis, maintain their effectiveness at a very high level. Our country can be proud, for it has one of the most reliable defense systems globally, and it is the Government’s responsibility, but also a collective one, to maintain this high level, as well as the high morale of the Hellenic Armed Forces.
Greece is an important agent for security, cooperation, understanding and stability. This is the message forwarded to all our neighbors. At the same time, within the EU and NATO, Greece has a unique place that renders it a reliable and potent ally.
This is the message forwarded by our country here in the United States and with great content I noted that this message is acknowledged by this great country, as well as the entire western world. The values and principles of world peace, security and cooperation will be persistently served, along with the Hellenic Armed forces’ key mission, which is to preserve our country’s integrity, independence and security.
Thank you”.