The largest presence of French land forces after the First World War in Xanthi
N. Dendias: "The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen cooperation and readiness."
Yesterday morning, November 24 at 09:30 the final phase of the TAMS "OLYMPIC COOPERATION-23" took place at the site of the P.B-P.A PETROCHORIOU at the "YPIATROU KONSTANTINOU TRIANTAFYLLIDI" Camp, in the presence of Civil and Military authorities.
In addition to the Greek Armed Forces, land forces from the USA, France, the Republic of Cyprus, Bulgaria and Georgia participated in TAMS. Observers from nine countries (Egypt, Albania, Armenia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, India, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Saudi Arabia) were also present.
Forces Involved
Personnel of the Hellenic Forces:
Officers: 85
Soldiers: 297
Allied Forces Personnel:
Officers: 32
Soldiers: 265
The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, and the French ambassador, Laurence Ayer, attended the Petrochorio Shooting Range in Xanthi, where they watched the final phase of the Tactical Exercise.
"I had the pleasure of attending the Petrochorio Xanthi Tank Shooting Range in Thrace as part of the Olympic Cooperation exercise with units of the Greek, American, French, Bulgarian, Cypriot and Georgian forces.
The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen cooperation and readiness.
It is about cooperation between countries and societies that share the same principles and values. Also, it is important that this exercise is being conducted here in Thrace, i.e. in an area with tremendous geopolitical value.
Furthermore, it is a special pleasure for me to be back in Thrace and for this exercise the port of Alexandroupolis was used by the allied forces.
It is undeniably the largest presence of French ground forces in Greece, specifically in this region, after the First World War.
In this context, therefore, we are called to manage a particular agenda of challenges, problems, an agenda of revisionism, which threatens the very prosperity of citizens and societies.
Therefore, we must be ready and strong to serve together with a wider network of actions and collaborations, synergies with the aim of promoting states that share the same principles.
The Greek flag stands proud. I warmly congratulate and thank everyone who participated in the exercise", said Mr. Dendias.
