The cooperation between Greece and UK It can be critical in many areas such as research, production and technology. In this changing world, no state, no matter how powerful it may be, can face these challenges alone. This was emphasized by Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendiaswho held the Central Speech at the opening meeting today, Friday, October 10Greece and the United Kingdom – partners in an age of uncertainty».
Mr. Dendias He referred extensively to the subtitle of the Symposium: “Partners in the Age of Uncertainty”, stressing that “the question is how two countries associated with history and common values can work together to navigate to an increasingly unpredictable world”.
‘Should’he underlined, “sharing a common view of the world”, while continuing to be proud to be proud because “the framework for agreement between Greece and the United Kingdom bears my signature”.
“And it’s not just something typical, I strongly believe in this friendship. But it’s something we have to work together, “he added.
Referring to the Balkans and the Western Balkans, he explained that it is “an area that has experienced the cost of division, civil war, sadness and we believe that stability and European perspective of the Western Balkans should be a highest strategic priority”.
Concerning Ukraine and Russia, he analyzed that ‘war on Ukraine It has radically remodeled Europe’s security architecture for the immediate future. “
‘It was“He added,” a call for Europe – revealing both our strategic complacency and our dependence on the United States for our defense. “
He also found “an increasing problem”, as he said, “although we fully agree with the United Kingdom in supporting Ukraine and in dealing with Russia’s new effort to redefine the map, at the same time the issue of Ukraine in the European Union and European policies.”
“Converts them,” he continued, “from multi -dimensional to one -way. And that can’t be the case. “
“Russia” is not the only bully in the city, “as the late Ronald Reagan would say with his worrying sincerity,” he said.
For Turkey, Mr. Dendias He said that he “maintains the warmest relationships with Moscow. He is a member of NATO, but has not imposed a single sanction on Russia. Just the opposite. Russian funds are entering the Turkish economy. “
“Once again, Turkey is considered by many NATO capitals, not as a difficult special case, but as a vital partner in defense and security, which one can absolutely trust.”
“The key question I think should be answered is whether the United Kingdom is certain that London and Ankara share the same view of the world, the same hopes, the same ambitions. So here’s a test. We have artificial intelligence. We could use it to produce two different photos of the world in 20 or 30 years. And think, please, how similar these two photos would be. The world as they would like to be London in 20 or 30 years and the world as they would like to be Ankara in 20 or 30 years. Again, let’s see, “said Mr. Dendias.
For Cyprus, He made it clear that “an unacceptable situation of a divided island, a member of the European Union, held by another country”, while in Gaza, he expressed hope “that the Trump plan will eventually be able to lead to a constant truce and, we hope, later on a constant peace.
For Syriaamong other things, he said it was “another challenge”, since Syria is “calmer now, but not particularly democratic”.
‘The persecutions of ethnic and religious groups such as Alawites, the Christians, the Drouzes, The survival of extremism, the very limited democratic experiment, do not allow us to believe that Syria is on its way to normalcy. The influence of third parties in Syria, especially Turkey, could cause us great concern. There are rumors, for example, of a possible maritime demarcation between Syria and Turkey in violation of international law and international sea law. This would create an additional problem in the area, ”he added.
Speaking about the energy sector, he described Russia’s energy dependence as a “huge mistake”, explaining that “Greece could offer a partial solution. Through the new units across the country, especially in Alexandroupolis, Greece could become an energy hub for Central and Eastern Europe. “
On the role of the United States, he said: “We usually use the expression” the elephant in the room “. What we need to see now in the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Europe is the elephant leaving the room. And there is a clear gap and this gap must be filled, it must be addressed. Here too, the cooperation of the United Kingdom – Greece could play a role. Because, I would like to be honest with you, Europe is trying to re -arrange. And huge amounts of money are announced for these re -equipment programs, but it will take many years. Because it’s not just equipment. It’s not just platforms. There is another lost link. This lost link is culture. “
Speaking of the UK, He said that it has “unique advantages” such as a clear geopolitical understanding, the ability to play a role in the Mediterranean but also beyond the Mediterranean and “an essential complex and ecosystem of defense -security with important universities, such as that, which could enhance its participation in Europe.
For the “shields” in the Red Sea, he explained that Greece “is the main factor that contributes to this business, which is facing the challenge that Houtha puts in the Suez Canal, one of the vital lines of Europe”.
He continued, he said: “I believe it is time for Greece and the United Kingdom to cooperate with another emerging great power. India. We could work together the United Kingdom, Greece and India, in order to secure navigation lines and would be extremely important if we were able to bring the Indian Navy to the Red Sea where it is operating today, but even north of the Suez Canal in the Mediterranean. “
For them Greek Armed Forces and the reforms of “Agenda 2030”, he made it clear that “it is a comprehensive transformation of the Greek Armed Forces”.
‘With’ Agenda 2030 ‘, We change everything in the Greek Armed Forces. From structure to weapons systems. But, what is most important is that we are trying to change the culture. An army is not trained to ask questions. An army is trained to obey orders. But, unfortunately, just obeying orders, you can’t survive in the modern war environment. So we try to teach the Greek Armed Forces, in addition to obeying orders, to start asking questions. What do I mean by that? We created for the first time in our history an innovation address within the Armed Forces. “
In particular, for the “Centaur” system, Mr Dendias said that he was tested on the eastern Aegean islands “watching the Bayraktar fly over the horizon”.
Subsequently, “after this proved to be successful, we placed the” Centaur “on one of our frigates who were trying against Houthi in the Red Sea”.
The “Centaur” He justified us because he shot down two unmanned Houthi aircraft trying to sink two merchant ships. The “Centaur” will be used on all ships of the Greek Navy and later in the units of the Army. This is the kind of system we are trying to create and I think we have a lot to do together, ”said Mr. Dendias
He then praised the ecosystem of technology and innovation, as well as the universities of the United Kingdom and continued: “Together we can face the challenges of modern war. Because security is not just about net military power. And it is vital for Greece and the United Kingdom to extend their cooperation to research, production, technology. And funding exists. “
The speech was attended by, inter alia, by the MP and Chairman of the Committee of Equipment Programs and Contracts of the Hellenic Parliament, Angelos Syrigos, the Ambassador of Greece to London Yiannis Tsaoussis, as well as the Greek -British Symposium Symposium.