On Wednesday, January 15, Deputy Minister of National Defense Yiannis Kefalogiannis signed the renewal of the cooperation agreement with the Foundation’s president, Evi Lazou-Laskaridis. The signing ceremony was attended by Vice Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Rear Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos, and representatives from the leadership of the Armed Forces.

Key Achievements and Future Goals

During the ceremony, Deputy Minister Kefalogiannis expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for its multifaceted contributions, including environmental protection actions carried out in partnership with Armed Forces personnel. He highlighted coastal clean-up operations on seven Greek islands, which involved not only shoreline cleaning but also underwater clean-up and scientific analysis of collected waste.

He emphasized that the renewed cooperation will expand into new areas, such as the “CYCLON” Program, aimed at protecting cultural heritage. Additionally, he praised the Foundation’s dedicated vessel, “TYPHOON”, which played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the devastating storms “DANIEL” and “ELIAS” in the Magnesia region.

Commitment to Environmental and National Service

Deputy Minister Kefalogiannis underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and disaster response. He lauded the active involvement and volunteer spirit of the Armed Forces personnel in various environmental initiatives.

Recognizing the Laskaridis Family’s Contribution

Addressing Evi Lazou-Laskaridis, Kefalogiannis expressed deep appreciation for the Foundation’s support and highlighted its ongoing commitment to national causes, including the construction of the new Cyber Defense Unit building, made possible through the Foundation’s generous donation. He noted that the Foundation’s work extends beyond environmental efforts to areas such as employment, entrepreneurship, social welfare, public space enhancement, and the promotion of transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, Kefalogiannis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with institutions like the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, recognizing their vital role in advancing Greece’s national interests and environmental stewardship.

The event ended with an acknowledgment of the importance of collective effort and national unity in addressing modern challenges and safeguarding Greece’s heritage and natural environment.