The United States and Greece reaffirmed their commitment to advance security, peace and prosperity in the eastern Mediterranean and western Balkans.
As Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo visited Thessaloniki and Crete in Greece, the two countries celebrated their strongest alliance in decades.
“I think it’s very safe to say that the relationship between our two countries is at an all-time high. It’s getting stronger,” Pompeo said September 29 after meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. It was the first time a U.S. secretary of state has visited the country twice, he noted.
In Thessaloniki, Pompeo and Greek Minister of Development and Investments Adonis Georgiadis signed a joint Science and Technology Agreement. The agreement emphasizes the commitment of the United States and Greece to research integrity, transparency and merit-based systems of science. It will also provide a foundation for future partnerships and exchange opportunities between the two countries.
In line with the U.S. goals to promote the tech sector in Greece, Pompeo hosted a meeting with energy-sector business leaders to highlight plans for energy diversification and infrastructure projects in the country.
Some private-sector collaborations between the United States and Greece are already underway. U.S. company Tesla, for example, launched a new research and development center in Athens focused on drive trains. Another U.S. company, Blink Charging, installed a network of electric vehicle charging stations around Greece.
“American companies like Pfizer and Cisco and Deloitte come to invest here in Greece and create opportunities for their companies,” Pompeo said, “as well as for Greek businesses and the people of Greece as well.”
The United States and Greece are also partnering to improve their joint defense strategies, Pompeo announced. The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, the U.S. Navy’s latest expeditionary sea base, will call Souda Bay, Greece, its new home port. The two countries are also working together to counter Russia’s malign influence in the region.
“We, the Americans, look to Greece as a true pillar for stability and prosperity in the eastern Mediterranean,” Pompeo said, “and we are incredibly proud to support its leadership.”