Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has highlighted Greece's enduring role in European security after Greek Armed Forces personnel took part in France's Bastille Day parade in Paris, marking 107 years since a Greek detachment marched through the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate the Allied victory in World War I.
"One hundred and seven years after the Greek detachment's parade at the Arc de Triomphe for the Allied victory in World War I, the Greek Armed Forces once again made their presence felt in Paris for France's National Day celebration," Mr. Dendias wrote in a post on X.
A marching unit from the Hellenic National Defense General Staff's Tri-Service Honor Guard Company paraded through the French capital, while a pair of Hellenic Air Force Rafale fighter jets flew overhead during the ceremony, Mr. Dendias said.
"A presence that symbolizes our country's enduring contribution to shared European security, to protecting the values of democracy and human rights, and the strong bonds between Greece and France," Mr. Dendias said, concluding his statement.
The parade came as French President Emmanuel Macron hosted dozens of world leaders in Paris for both Bastille Day commemorations and a separate summit of Ukraine's "Coalition of the Willing," underscoring the diplomatic significance of this year's celebrations amid heightened European security concerns.