As a part of his inaugural visits tour to Ambassadors of RACVIAC Member states accredited to the Republic of Croatia RACVIAC Director, Ambassador Miroslav Šćepanović, met with H.E. Ambassador Athanassios Paressoglou at the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic on 8 June 2026.
At the outset of the meeting Ambassador Paressoglou warmly welcomed Ambassador Šćepanović and congratulated him on his appointment, expressing Greece’s continued support and his personal readiness to assist the new Director in carrying out RACVIAC mission.
Ambassador Šćepanović conveyed his sincere appreciation for Greece’s support during the selection process for the Director of RACVIAC, as well as for the country’s longstanding commitment, active engagement, and steadfast support of the Centre throughout the years.
The discussion focused on the evolving security landscape and RACVIAC role in addressing contemporary challenges. Both ambassadors agreed that RACVIAC has undergone a significant transformation since its establishment 25 years ago and emphasized the importance of continuously adapting the Centre’s activities to meet emerging regional and global security concerns. They highlighted the need for RACVIAC workshops, courses, seminars, and conferences to remain aligned with the priorities and requirements of its Members, ensuring timely and effective responses to current and future security challenges.
The meeting was also attended by Captain (N) Antonios Pappas, Programme Manager in RACVIAC Security Sector Governance (SSG) Pillar and Ms Glorija Ivković, MAG Secretary. Captain Pappas briefed Ambassador Paressoglou on the recently concluded Annual Meeting of Representatives of Defence and Security Committees of South East European Parliaments, noting with particular satisfaction the participation of a representative of the Hellenic Parliament for the first time since the establishment of the Parliamentary Meeting within RACVIAC.
Captain Pappas also highlighted the excellent cooperation between RACVIAC and the Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center (MPSOTC). In this context he announced plans for a joint activity scheduled for late November titled “Border Security and Management – Illegal Migration and Border Security”, aimed at addressing one of the most pressing security issues facing the region today.
The meeting was concluded in a highly positive and constructive atmosphere. Both sides reaffirmed that RACVIAC remains as relevant and necessary today as it was at its founding 25 years ago. They underscored the enduring value of a platform that fosters dialogue, strengthens mutual trust, and enhances regional cooperation on security matters in an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment in particular.
