On Saturday 2 November 2024, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis and the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, attended the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Handover-Takeover ceremony, with Greek Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis HN taking over Command from the Italian Rear Admiral Massimo Bonu.
The ceremony took place on the Italian Destroyer ITS “ANDREA DORIA” and on behalf of the Government of Djibouti, it was attended by the Minister of Defence Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan.
The ceremony was also attended by the Commander of the European Operation “ASPIDES”, Rear Admiral Vasilios Gryparis HN, the Chief of the Navy of Djibouti, Captain Ahmed Daher Djama, the Chief of the Italian Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, the Ambassador of the European Union to Djibouti Sylvie Tabesse, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Ethiopia also accredited to Djibouti, Agostino Palese, as well as the Honorary Ambassador of Greece to Djibouti, Ekaterini Stouraiti.
The Minister of National Defence congratulated the new Commander and wished him good luck to his new responsibilities.
After the ceremony, Nikos Dendias pointed out:
I am extremely happy to be here today alongside so many high ranking officials. I would like to thank the government of Djibouti for their warm hospitality, as well as their valuable contribution, regarding the logistical support of ASPIDES. Djibouti is the key partner for the EU in this region of the world.
I would, also, like to thank my dear friend High Representative Josep Borrell for his leadership in preparing, launching, and supporting ASPIDES.
I have to say I’m very proud to participate in today’s Ceremony.
La nostra presenza qui oggi ha un’importanza immensa. Non solo per la difesa dei nostri valori comuni, ma anche per il potente simbolismo che incarna. Dimostra ciò che l’Europa può realizzare quando affrontiamo sfide comuni con solidarietà, unità e determinazione incrollabile.
(Informal translation: Our presence here is of great importance. Not only for the protection of our common values, but also for the powerful symbolism it includes. It shows what can be achieved by Europe when facing common challenges with solidarity, unity, and steadfast determination).
This is the third time I visit Djibouti during the launch of the operation only, 8 months ago.
Operation ASPIDES, which in Greek means Shields, is a defence operation. It is the largest operation, nevertheless, that the European Union has ever assumed. Its mandate is in full compliance with International Law and the International Law of the Sea.
I would like to thank Italy and its Minister of Defence, my dear friend Guido Crosetto, one of the most influential Ministers of Defence in Europe, a Minister with a clear European Vision. I would, also, like to thank the former Force Commander of ASPIDES, Rear-Admiral Massimo Bonu for his valuable contribution to the Operation”.
Ι would like to wish Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis HN every success. It means the world to us.
Once again I would like to thank all the people and EU members involved in the operation and wish them every success.
Thank you”.
Following, the Minister visited HS “SPETSAI”, which is docked in the port of Djibouti in the framework of its participation in EUNAVFOR “ASPIDES”. During his visit, he was briefed regarding the vessel’s mission by its Captain.
In his address to the Crew, Mr. Dendias pointed out:
“Firstly, I would like to tell you that it is a great pleasure to see you all here in Djibouti again, in the Red Sea, and I would like to tell you that today is very important for us in Greece, and I think for the European Union too. That is because the Command of the Operation “ASPIDES” is assumed by our Navy, and more specifically by Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis.
It is a moment in time which confirms the role that our Country wants to play. The role that it wants to play in securing the freedom of navigation and the implementation of International Law and the International Law of the Sea.
I do not need to explain it any further. Each and every one of you can comprehend how important that is for our Country. The other reason I am here for, however, is to express my gratitude. Not only my personal gratitude, but that of the whole Greek society for what you are doing here and your contribution.
I will not hide from you, what I told you at the Naval Base before your departure on your mission. I know very well that we sent you to a danger zone.
However, despite the pride one feels while watching our flag waving here, I explained to you that this Operation is of great importance for all European and mainly Greek citizens.
So, I would like to express to you and your families, who think of you and long for your return, my warmest thanks for your significant work.
Once again, thank you very much. I cannot shake the hand of each and every one of you.
However, you will allow me to symbolically shake the hand of the first woman of the crew, who is standing to my left.
Once again, thank you very much.
My deepest congratulations!”