On behalf of the Hellenic Armed Forces, I would like to welcome you all to the multinational military exercise INIOCHOS 2024, an event which has grown significantly over the last years.

I am delighted to be here amongst you and especially to be surrounded by participants from so many friendly and allied countries on the occasion of this Distinguished Visitors Day. The very presence of the representatives of Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Montenegro, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States is a great testament to the unity of purpose we share.

The complex security landscape of our times, characterized by ongoing conflicts such as the invasion of Ukraine, makes the necessity for international cooperation and solidarity even more profound. Remaining united, we will be even more steadfast in our commitment to preserving peace, fostering stability, and ensuring security. Therefore, our forces in exercise HNIOHOS, a highly demanding training opportunity, contribute indisputably to our joint efforts to strengthen military capabilities through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Year by year, we endeavor to surpass the achievements attained during the previous exercise by introducing more advanced scenarios and elevating training standards. I am proud to say that this year’s mission has been resoundingly accomplished.

However, our future vision is to develop even further this “single-base concept” exercise as one of the most competitive exercise in Europe and the wider Mediterranean region, offering high-level training in an increasingly realistic combat environment.

At this point, allow me to express my congratulations to all participants on their invaluable contribution to the exercise’s success. Your expertise and unwavering dedication have been critical in achieving our objectives.

Moreover, I would like to acknowledge the work done by the organizers of INIOCHOS 2024. Your tireless efforts and meticulous planning have laid the foundations for this remarkable event. Thank you, and congratulations on the job well done.

To all of our distinguished guests, I extend sincere gratitude for your presence here today. We eagerly anticipate your return next year keeping in mind that you are more than welcome in our country.

I wish everyone all the best.

Together, we are Stronger.

Thank you.