Evangelos Apostolakis: We support your defence reforms

He pointed out that Greek armed forces were prepared to help the Armed Forces of Montenegro (VCG) increase its interoperability with the Alliance.

He said he believed that possible participation of members of the VCG in the NATO Rapid Deployment Corps – Greece (NRDC-GR) would provide valuable experience and knowledge on NATO procedures.

Chief of the armed forces of Greece believes that the accreditation of a military attaché in Athens can help improving bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Speaking about the refugee crisis, Apostolakis said that the international community should focus on removing political and socio-economic factors that drive this phenomenon.

“Without a solution to the conflict in Syria and limiting the threat of the Islamic State, it is a utopia to expect that the flow of refugees will soon stop,” said the Greek admiral.

As he said, the annual programme of military cooperation between Greece and Montenegro includes several fields.

“I am pleased to say that our cooperation has gained momentum over the last three years”, Apostolakis said.

“Of course, both sides should work on its maintenance for mutual benefit. I believe that the potential accreditation of your military attaché in Athens could help improve the bilateral military cooperation and good coordination of our future interactions,” he said.

He said he couldn’t say exactly when the Greek parliament would ratify the NATO accession protocol for Montenegro.

“But I can assure you that Greece actively encourages and supports the continued efforts of Montenegro on the implementation of all necessary reforms in the defence and security sectors, which will enable it to become the 29^th member of our Alliance. In addition, the Greek armed forces are ready to help the VCG in its efforts to improve interoperability with NATO. Therefore, I believe that possible participation of members of the VCG in the NATO Rapid Deployment Corps – Greece (NRDC-GR) would provide valuable experience and knowledge on NATO procedures, command structure and force structure of the Alliance,” he said.