Diving watches, a special edition manufactured by the Greek watchmaking Ianos exclusively for executives of the submarine disaster management, are both a useful business tool and a recognition of the project and contribution of the members of the DEK to the National Defense.

The watches are a donation from the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Foundation.

At the event held in Skaramanga, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended.

In his address, the prime minister said:

“Mr Deputy Minister, Chief Heads, Dear Evi, Dear Thanassis, Ladies and Lords, with great joy today with you to greet a donation that has a different character than others that have been done in the past.

Symbolic, I would say, as it is a little tangible expression of gratitude and thanks for the extremely critical and difficult task which perhaps performs the most elite unit of the Greek Armed Forces.

The UCK, as they are known in Greek society, have always been the subject of admiration for the extremely harsh process – a test that everyone who wants to join this select unit must undergo.

Lord and Mrs Laskaridis, then, chose to honor this great contribution to the Greek Armed Forces with a symbolic gift: the construction of a special Greek company clock, the Ianos company, in a limited number. The watch you get is not on the market. You will only have it. It is a diving clock that is a practical thanks to the Greek state and the donors for the extremely difficult task you do.

On this occasion, I would like to thank Mrs and Mr. Laskaridis for their very important support in the work of the Greek Armed Forces. Ms. Lazou mentioned only two recent significant donations: two state-of-the-art drones for the purposes of air surveillance, but also the new cyberspace and cyber security building built in GEHEA.

These two only donations are the best proof that in the Armed Forces, the cooperation of the State with the private sector can really lead to a significant quality upgrading of their potential.

The Greek government, as you know, Mr Chief, has supported the Armed Forces and especially the Navy.

And because today it is six years since the day I sworn in as prime minister in July 2019, I was well aware of the situation we then received, especially in terms of the Navy, as a long crisis. They had a long time to make significant investments.

Now, of course, we are in a completely different situation with the Navy preparing to pick up four new Belh@rra frigates before the end of the year, which will be the spearhead for the new era in which the Navy enters.

And of course, I saw the main leaders of the frigates Belh@rra and this very interesting cut of their bow reminded us of the Averoff battleship, which we must not forget that this was the result of a very large donation, which was made at a different time. A battleship that was so identified not only with the history of the Navy but with the creation of modern Greece, as we know it.

So we need Lord Laskaridis, more donations to the Armed Forces. And today I am calling, especially in the world of shipping, to support the armed forces more practically, and especially the Navy, with targeted donations, which can really make a big difference.

Today’s donation, as I said, has a different character. Take it as a little thanksgiving, a sign of gratitude for the very hard work you do. And only you yourself know the sacrifices you have suffered to get to where you are today.

Again congratulations, Mr. Laskaridis. And to the highest.

Thank you very much”.

The president of the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Foundation, Evi Lazou – LaskaridesHe noted for her part: “I am here today, representing the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Public Benefit Foundation, in a ceremony that has a substantial symbolism for us.

The donation of the 300 diving hand clocks to the Underwater Disaster Unit is yet another act of recognizing the importance of the Armed Forces project and the need to rely on it in every way possible.

Our cooperation with the Armed Forces is neither occasional nor concomitant. On the contrary, it is essential and enhanced year by year. It was built in the field, where each of us acts on a different mission but with common responsibility towards our country. You to defend national security and we to protect its natural wealth.

Our cooperation is also institutional, through the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of National Defense. To date we have implemented 11 joint coastal and continental cleaning actions in islands and continental areas, with the participation of more than 1,600 volunteers from all sectors of the Armed Forces, removing more than 45 tonnes of waste from the sensitive coastline of our islands.

It was literally more than 3,200 hands that acted for a common purpose. This is the proof that the essential synergies are built in the field of action, where they are transformed into a real effect and implemented with respect, professionalism and a sense of duty.

Our founder, Athanasios Laskaridis, believes deeply in the role and importance of the Armed Forces and this is consistently reflected by his targeted donations.

I am referring to two more recent ones: the delivery of two upgraded drones for the surveillance of the Aegean and the construction of the new building of the Special Cyberspace Unit of the GEHEA. Donations that prove that support for national defense can coexist with the vision for a safe and at the same time clean Greece.

In closing, you will allow me to express a personal desire: to see in the near future more women are actively and equal to the armed forces, because not in the UK. Their contribution, their abilities and their perspective are valuable, not only for the functioning of bodies but also for their evolution.

Thank you very much. “