Greek Diplomatic Life Official Site
Greece and the United States of America – strengthening cooperation
Meeting with the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had also a private meeting and working dinner with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, at the Maximos Mansion.
During the talks, according to sources, a comprehensive overview of Greek-American relations was made. Their excellent level was confirmed in view of the start of the 4th round of the Greece-US strategic dialogue and their further deepening was agreed.
The Prime Minister and Secretary Blinken exchanged views on international, European and regional issues, with a focus on developments in Ukraine. The US Secretary of State expressed to the Premier his appreciation for the unconditional support provided by Greece to Ukraine from the very beginning and underlined the role of Greece as a pillar of stability and security in the wider region.
The situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the devastating earthquakes in Turkey were also discussed. The US Secretary of State thanked the Prime Minister for the immediate assistance provided by Greece to Turkey at this difficult time.
The two officials also agreed on the importance of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean at a critical geopolitical juncture. The Prime Minister underlined that the stable position of Greece and the guiding principle of its policy was and remains the peaceful resolution of disputes and good neighbourly relations based on International Law.
“The upward dynamic of bilateral strategic relations was sealed by the two defence cooperations between Greece and the US… their signature proves that in a constantly changing environment, Greece is recognised as a pillar of stability and security.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Nikos Dendias
The Strategic Dialogue (the 4th of its kind with Greece) is actually a reflection of the relationship “our citizens have had for more than 200 years and indeed today’s expanded delegation represents the depth of our relationship.”
US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken
Cooperation between Greece and the US has become even stronger and its strengthening promotes common interests, but also regional peace and stability, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said in a meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken launching the start of the 4th Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, on February 21st.
Referring to the talks with the US Secretary of State, he said they had discussed defence and security, enforcement of international law and the fight against terrorism, humanitarian and environmental challenges, as well as relations between peoples. “We had an open dialogue about regional political problems,” he added.
Greece-US relations are strategic and have reached the highest level the Greek Foreign Minister said during joint statements with his US counterpart. “The Strategic Dialogue concerns seven important areas. It is a tangible proof of the dynamics of Greece’s relations with the US. Strategic relations, which have reached the highest level. A solid basis of our bilateral relations are our common principles and values: freedom, democracy, human rights, our adherence to International Law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
The upward dynamic of bilateral strategic relations was sealed by the two defence cooperations between Greece and the US he added, pointing out that their signature proves that in a constantly changing environment, Greece is recognised as a pillar of stability and security.
Minister Dendias also made special reference to the “dynamic presence” of the Greek diaspora in the US.
He further reiterated that the Greek foreign policy strategy is based on the full application of the rules of International Law and the International Law of the Sea, on respect for the principles of the UN Charter, the protection of human rights and the condemnation of the threat or use of force.
He underlined that from the first moment, Greece offered assistance to Ukraine, immediately agreeing with the decisions and sanctions against Russia within the context of its participation in the EU and the UN. In addition, he noted that the Parliament ratified in a short period of time the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in his introductory remarks at the opening of the 4th round of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue stressed Greece’s leading role in strengthening security and the energy transition in the region while underlining that the US is grateful for Greece’s unwavering support to Ukraine.
“The US is grateful for Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine after the invasion, including opening its doors to 20,000 displaced Ukrainians,” he said.
Secretary Blinken also thanked Greece for its support to Turkey after the devastating earthquakes and called on Athens and Ankara to seize the historic moment and the positive climate that has been created. He also called on the two countries to “seize the historic opportunity to strengthen historic relations between two critical allies in a pivotal region at a crucial time.”
He pointed out that the Strategic Dialogue is actually a reflection of the relationship “our citizens have had for more than 200 years and indeed today’s expanded delegation represents the depth of our relationship.”
He reminded that today’s discussion is based on the 3rd strategic dialogue held between the two Ministries in Washington in 2021 and other important steps, such as the amendment of the defence cooperation agreement.
The US Secretary of State stated that the armies of the two countries are training together, in new ways and in more places adding that Alexandroupolis has become a key strategic hub to bring new defence weapons, trucks, artillery, military units across Europe.
He noted that the US is working to upgrade facilities in the region and creating new jobs, while “we have similar investments in other parts of Greece, including a $ 123 million in infrastructure in Souda Bay and Larissa.”
Furthermore, the US Minister referred to efforts to promote clean energy and strengthen energy security. “Greece’s transition is a model for the region,” he said, recalling that renewable energy sources such as wind and solar provided half of Greece’s electricity needs, which, he said, is equivalent to the removal of 3 million cars from the roads.
He also praised Greece’s role in supporting neighbouring countries to diversify energy sources by reducing their dependence on Russia, such as Bulgaria.
He also noted that Greece and the US are working to strengthen the ties between the two peoples and emphasised that over one million Americans visit Greece every year.
(Photos: GDL & G.Kontarinis, A.Bonetti/Eurokinissi.)
