Defence Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos on Thursday praised the steadfast contribution of the Armed Forces to the country, noting that they guaranteed its peace and freedom, as well as contributing to Greek citizens through the social work performed by the military, in a message for Armed Forces Day.

Greece is closely monitoring Turkey's illegal actions and highlighting the issue at all international fora - including NATO, the European Union and the United States - where it is understood that Turkey is a conduit that promotes regional tension, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos said on Thursday and added that Greece is preparing itself to reply to all contingencies. 

The Minister of National Defense, Evangelos Apostolakis, met on Wednesday 27 March in New York with representatives of the Greek community.