Long before our countries were united in the Second World War, American philhellenes fought shoulder to shoulder with Greece in its struggle for independence and to protect the birthplace of democracy. Our alliance strengthens NATO and coalition operations, making this region safer and more secure. It enshrines our countries’ commitment to address the security challenges of today and tomorrow through that strategic relationship, while deepening and expanding our partnership to maintain strong, capable, and interoperable forces. The MDCA framework has strengthened and advanced our common defense and strategic interests for more than three decades.
Our relationship with Greece today spans the full range of geopolitical, security, economic, cultural and educational cooperation, all of which is anchored in our Strategic Dialogue, our recently updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, and our shared commitment to the transatlantic relationship. Ambassador to Greece, this is a commitment that I, along with my team, work daily to realize and to advance. President Biden has made clear his personal commitment to take this relationship to even greater heights.
And I’m proud to say that we’re growing stronger together each day. Global challenges to that rules-based international order that our nations fought so hard to build – whether that’s recovering from the pandemic, confronting the climate crisis, or dealing with anti-democratic regimes that threaten peace – make the United States’ alliance with Greece - and our continued innovation and resilience in the face of such challenges - more important now than ever before.Īnd as ongoing events just north of us in the Black Sea region remind, Greece lives in a rough neighborhood.Īs my boss, Secretary of State Blinken, and Foreign Minister Dendias underscored in Washington when they met for our countries’ third Strategic Dialogue, the U.S.-Greece relationship is at an all-time high. And we should remember the courageous work and sacrifices that our Greatest Generation who helped lead not just our country but the whole world through some of its darkest hours, as we rose together, in testament to America’s - and to the world’s - resilience, working with our partners and allies, including Greece, to defeat the Axis powers and lay the foundations for an international system based on shared democratic values that we all enjoy and continue to prosper from today. So today we honor the patriots who perished in that attack.
It was, by any measure, a horrific day, and one that justifiably continues to live in infamy. 2,403 American service members and civilians were killed that day. I always enjoy hearing from President Tasoulas and his encyclopedic knowledge of Greek political history, including the story he told today about Greece’s NATO application.Īnd in that spirit, I will point out that 80 years ago today, the foundations of democracy were shaken when the Imperial Japanese Navy audaciously attacked America at Pearl Harbor and other locations in Hawaii. It is also a great honor to be here with Parliament President Tasoulas, Metropolitan Athenagoras, Minister Syrigos, and of course my good friend EU Vice President Schinas. Navy leadership, and had the opportunity again to hear directly from Admiral Black in the United States 6th Fleet just how much value they place on the extraordinarily strong relationship with our Greek Allies. It’s great to be back here at the Hellenic Air Force Academy to join you for this important discussion on how we can work together to strengthening stability, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.Īnd I want to start this morning by thanking our outstanding allies from the Ministry of Defense, of course Deputy Minister Chardalias, General Floros, all the Chiefs, General Lalousis, General Blioumis, Admiral Petrakis for your partnership. Health Alert – Vaccination Developments in Greece.Health Alert – PCR Test Required for Travelers to Greece Starting December 19.Join us at an Interactive “Escape Room” Celebrating 200 Years of Scientific Collaboration between the United States and Greece.11th International CoMuseum Conference: (Re)Positioning the Museum of Tomorrow.Public Transportation Work Stoppage Alert.Ambassador Pyatt’s Remarks at 11th International CoMuseum Conference.Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2018.Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.OUTLAW REGIME: A Chronicle of Iran’s Destructive Activities.Ambassador Pyatt’s Opening Remarks at the 32nd Greek Economic Summit “Atlantic Council Discussion Paper.