Robert Menendez’s contribution to the strengthening of Greek-American relations, peace and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, was praised by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the meeting he had this afternoon at the Maximos Palace, with the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate.
During the meeting, the prime minister underlined the “great progress” that has been made in recent years in bilateral relations, noting that “there is still a lot to be done” on many fronts.
For his part, Mr. Menendez referred to his visit to Alexandroupolis, which – as he estimated – “will be a geostrategic center for the region” and “has unlimited potential”.
In particular, according to the Maximos Palace, during the meeting there was a review of the Greek-American relations which -as it was found- are at the best level ever and the prospects for closer cooperation in view of the 4th Round of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, which will take place in Athens in October.
The prime minister made a special reference to Mr. Menendez’s legislative initiative “US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act”, which became US law in December 2021 and further upgrades bilateral cooperation, especially defense.
International developments were also discussed, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the forefront.
Mr. Menendez expressed his appreciation for the clear stance of the government, which has supported Ukraine from the first moment by offering humanitarian and defense material.
He underlined that Greece is a stable democracy, a reliable partner and ally of the US in the south-eastern wing of NATO, but also a pillar of stability in the region.
They also exchanged views on defense cooperation and the new possibilities that are presented, on the occasion of the recent visit of the President of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate to Alexandroupoli.
The prime minister placed special emphasis on the economic and energy cooperation of the two countries, while he analyzed the importance of the infrastructure that Greece is developing for its energy security, the diversification of energy sources and the energy supply of Europe, due to its strategic position.
*Robert Menendez: Congressional photo, historic photo. For you but also for the fact that you have two women standing behind you, the Speaker of the House and the Vice President of the USA.
*Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Yes, it was a historic moment for me but I believe also for my country.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you back to Greece. First of all, congratulations on your honorary doctorate.
It is an important moment for the University but, I am sure, for you as well.
I would like to thank you again for what you have done to promote relations between our two countries.
I believe that we have made a lot of progress in recent years and there is still a lot to be done, on many fronts, not only geostrategically and geopolitically, but also in the fields of economy, culture, education.
We are very happy that you have an extremely good Ambassador and I can tell you that he has already made his presence felt in Greece. We really look forward to continuing the great partnership we have.
*Robert Menendez: We absolutely agree. We are very proud of our Ambassador.
I have known him for a long time, I was sure he would do an excellent job and therefore I am very happy.
His nomination was quickly approved by the Foreign Relations Committee and by the full Senate.
I tried to keep a low profile on this visit but that’s not easy here.
I went to Alexandroupolis and the development there, under your leadership, is excellent.
*Robert Menendez: I estimate that it will be a geostrategic center for Greece, for the region, but also for the Allies. I think it has unlimited potential.
