XANTHI, Greece – "Greece invests in peaceful co-existence but the protection of our sovereign rights is non-negotiable," stated President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou during her visit to the IV Army Corps in the northeastern Greek city of Xanthi on Thursday.

She also underlined that Turkey, by continuously ignoring international law, is maintaining a climate of tension and aggressiveness.

"In a period of instability, with our unpredictable neighbour constantly ignoring the rules of international law and preserving the climate of tension and aggressiveness, the men and women of our Armed Forces are on the frontline to defend our national interests," said the president.

"It is indisputable that Greece invests in peaceful co-existence, cooperation and the friendship of the peoples of the region and respects international law, international treaties and the commitments deriving from them," Sakellaropoulou said.

She also noted that this was the first time that a woman held the office of President of the Hellenic Republic and was consequently visiting the IV Army Corps as the head of the armed forces.

Sakellaropoulou expressed her gratitude and her confidence in their mission, saying: "The guarantee of peace, security and stability in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean was and is the main pillar of our national strategy. Greece, as member of the European Union, forms part of the territory of Europe. The Greek Armed Forces that safeguard our national integrity are at the same time defending the security of the country and the security of Europe."