N. Hardalias: Greek diplomacy moves with rationality and determination

The diplomas were awarded to the graduating officer-students of the 19th training series of the Supreme Multidisciplinary War School by the Deputy Minister of National Defense Nikos Hardalias, during a special ceremony held today at the school’s premises, in Thessaloniki.

A total of 276 officers graduated, of which 128 from the Army, 48 from the Navy, 65 from the Air Force, 1 from the Joint Corps, 1 from the Hellenic Police, 1 from the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard, 1 from the Fire Brigade, 25 Officers from the Cyprus Republic and 6 officers from foreign countries (from Egypt, Albania, Jordan, Bosnia-Herzegovina (2) and the Republic of North Macedonia).

The ceremony was also attended by:

-The Vice-Chief of the Naval Air Station Vice-Admiral Ioannis Drymousis as the representative of the Chief of the Naval Air Station,

-The Deputy Governor of Transport and Communications Sokratis Doris as the representative of the Governor of Central Macedonia,

– The mandated municipal councilor for Civil Protection actions Vassilios Mousidis as the representative of the mayor of Thessaloniki,

-Archimandrite Ignatios as a representative of the Most Holy Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, representatives of embassy and academic authorities, delegations of officers of the Armed Forces and Security Forces, as well as relatives and friends of the graduates.

In his greeting, Mr. Hardalias mentioned, among other things:

“Russian revisionism undeniably raises serious questions about the coherence and effectiveness of the international legal order in the peaceful resolution of disputes between state actors and introduces new parameters to international relations.

It also questions the accepted limits of interstate competition, proving in effect that world peace can in no way be taken for granted and undisturbed. The search for a new model of security architecture, without recognition of achievements by force, must remain the central goal of the world political scene, and in this context the unwavering adherence to International Law must be the cornerstone of the whole effort.

Of course, any violations of International Law in no way negate its value or usefulness, since its terms constitute the undoubted code of principles and values ​​that should govern all international relations.

Focusing on our immediate geopolitical environment, we will find that not all states share the same commitment to the international legal order, good neighborly relations, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Against this provocation, Greek diplomacy moves with rationality and determination, demonstrating in the diplomatic field all illegal actions. It responds with sobriety and rationality without being swayed by extreme incendiary rhetoric, following a consistent policy of principles, always based on international legality and the European acquis.

In this direction, intense, multi-dimensional and multi-level defense diplomacy is carried out, through bilateral, tripartite and multilateral forms of cooperation, with countries such as the United States, France, the Republic of Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, as well as with other regional and international partners and allies of our country, with whom it shares the same principles and values.

Within this framework, the government and the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense have put the safeguarding of our national interests at the forefront of our actions, with deterrence being the center of gravity of our defense planning.

To achieve this, we have planned and implemented in a coordinated manner the upgrading of the existing means and infrastructure of the Armed Forces, while at the same time arming them with the most modern weapon systems, making them capable of meeting both the challenges of today and those of the future.

At the same time, with continuity and consistency, we are qualitatively and quantitatively strengthening the human resources, which over time constitute the cornerstone and the most important power multiplier of the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces, with their constant operational readiness, as well as their high combat power, are the indisputable pivotal Pillar of National Power, playing a particularly critical, dual and demanding role, on the one hand to safeguard the national independence and territorial integrity of the homeland and on the other to contribute through their strong deterrent footprint, as a tool for exercising active defense diplomacy”.

Source: AMPE