ATHENS – Interior Minister Takis Theodorikakos on Thursday sent a message from the city of Komotini that "Greece is defending and will always defend its borders and international law," adding that that "our strongest weapon is the Greek people's unity".

Theodorikakos was reprsenting the government at the events celebrating the 100th anniversary since the liberation of Thrace, while he noted that Thrace is the border that marks the start of both Greece and Europe.

"Today, 100 years after Thrace's integration, Greece is still experiencing threats and challenges from our neighbours from the east," said Theodorikakos. Addressing Ankara, he continued: "Here, from Thrace, we are sending a resounding message. We respond with determination. We will never tire of protecting our borders and, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said, we will not accept any violation of our sovereign rights either in Thrace or in the Aegean".

He cited Thrace was an example of the peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims, adding that "Greece respects the religious freedoms of all its citizens and this is something nobody can doubt. Our aim is the improvement of the quality of life and the support of education for all the people of Thrace".