"Following an order of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, I asked the Hellenic National Defense General Staff General Konstantinos Floros and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis to proceed with the participation of a Greek Navy frigate in the multinational operation "Prosperity Guardian" regarding the protection of the merchant ships, the lives of the seamen and the international economy," Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on Thursday.
Def. Min. Dendias: Greek frigate to take part in "Prosperity Guardian" operation
"Following an order of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, I asked the Hellenic National Defense General Staff General Konstantinos Floros and the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis to proceed with the participation of a Greek Navy frigate in the multinational operation "Prosperity Guardian" regarding the protection of the merchant ships, the lives of the seamen and the international economy," Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on Thursday.
"The international community is facing a huge security challenge in the area of the Red Sea and of the Gulf of Aden," Dendias noted.
"The attacks at merchant ships by members of armed groups, drones and missiles constitute a major threat against human lives, the international security and stability, the global economy and the citizens' prosperity."
"Greece, the country with the largest maritime fleet, has a primary interest in maintaining the freedom of navigation and the protection of the lives of seamen," he pointed out.
He added: "On this issue I also informed, during my last visit to Cairo, the Egyptian side."
"It is self-evident that the frigate which will participate in the operation is supplied with the necessary self protection equipment," Dendias concluded.
