Mitsotakis' US contacts
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday, in the first day of an official two-day visit to the American capital.
President Biden referred to the personal friendship with Mitsotakis and to the democratic ideals born in Greece that inspired the United States, and which he said are sadly tried by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a democracy threatened by autocrats. The issues they will discuss include the defense and trade partnerships, energy security and climate change, Biden said in brief introductory comments to the press.
"Today our friendship and partnership between our countries, between Greeks and Americans, I think is more important than ever. And I'm honored to celebrate the partnership with you," the American president noted.
According to press release issued by the office of Prime Minister, Mitsotakis referred to the significance of currently celebrating the bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence, which was also inspired by the American struggle for independence. Over the last two centuries Greece and the United States have fought wars together and are now united in facing the challenge of the Ukraine war, he noted.
"My visit to the United States is an opportunity to reassess the status of our relationship, which I honestly believe is at an all-time high," the Greek leader said, underlining Greece's role as a reliable partner, one who overcame crises to become a pillar of stability in the region.
US-Greek relations “All time high”
The deepening of the US-Greek bilateral defense relations as a springboard for the upgrade of Greece’s strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans was front and center at the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Monday.
There was special emphasis on the energy sector and Greece’s upgraded role after the war started on February 24 and the EU decided to gradually end its dependence on Russian natural gas. Biden and Mitsotakis discussed the latest developments in the war and Greece’s contribution to Ukraine’s defense.
In opening statements before the meeting got underway, Biden praised Mitsotakis and spoke about how the democratic ideals that were developed in Ancient Greece inspired the US’ founding fathers, who were steeped in the classical tradition.
The US President praised Greece’s stance against the aggression on Ukraine. “I want to thank you Mr. Prime Minister for Greece’s moral leadership. It’s not easy, I know,” he said. He also noted how friendship and cooperation between the two countries is more important than ever.
“Our two countries were always on the right side of history,” Mitsotakis replied. “We are now facing united the challenge of Russian aggression…our relationship is at an all time high,” he added.
STABILITY IN THE BALKANS
The Prime Minister noted that Greece, which recovered from a long financial crisis is a “reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean” and a “pillar of stability in the Balkans and the wider area.”
During the talks, Mitsotakis was joined by Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Education Minister Niki Kerameus
After the talks, Biden hosted a reception at the White House. The reception was attended by about 200 guests, including Archbishop Eklpidophoros, the head of the Orthodox Church in the Americas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Reelations Committee Bob Menendez.
In short speeches at the banquet, Elpidophoros condemned Russian aggression in the Ukraine. “Freedom and democracy are worth fighting for,” Biden said in response. On a lighter note, he told Mitsotakis that “really, Jill and I are looking forward to seeing you in Greece.” On his part, Mitsotakis said that Greece plans to play an important role as a gateway for energy in Europe and also asked Biden to put negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus back on track. He also mentioned that Greece will acquire the advanced F-35 fighter.
On Tuesday, Mitsotakis will meet Pelosi and will address a joint session of Congress. He will then meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and be honored at a luncheon hosted by Pelosi and will meet with members of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The Prime Minister will conclude his visit in Washington with a dinner with representatives of Greek-American organizations. During the dinner, he will present awards to several outstanding members of the community.
