The inauguration of the extension of the American embassy building in Athens, the now northern wing, was inaugurated by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Cutting the inauguration ribbon at the entrance of the new wing of the embassy, ​​together with US Ambassador to Greece George Tsounishis presence Archbishop Hieronymosof the regional governor of Attica George Patoulis and the mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis, Anthony Blinken said it is a symbolic and a practical moment for the American diplomatic mission in Athens. He thanked the Greek government and his friend and distinguished ambassador, as he called him, George Tsouni. “We could not have a better representative of the USA in Greeceadded his head State Department.

Regarding the expansion and renovation of the American embassy building in Athens, he stated that it is an investment in bilateral relations and said:And while the renovations will come to an end, the work of strengthening the alliance will continue year after year.».

In the introductory part of his greeting, Mr US Secretary of State mentioned as well as in the joint statements with Nikos Dendiasin his hoarse voice, saying: “I lost my voice in Washington, but I will leave my heart in Athens.”

He then praised the level of bilateral relations and expressed the continued commitment of the US to “ally and friend Greece». “And we do this here in a space that is reminiscent of the deep-rooted democratic values ​​we share” write down. Praising the contribution of the people who have worked at the American embassy, ​​he said that they have played a central role in strengthening the ties between Greece and the US and promoting of many common priorities.

He did not fail to confess that he had never before had the opportunity to cut an inauguration ribbon.

Also, the American minister made her revelations plaque of the north wingas a sign of the commitment of the US to its diplomatic mission in Athens and in Greek-American relations.

Addressing the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, he expressed his gratitude for his presence today at the inauguration.

On his part, Mr American Ambassador George Tsounis stated that it is a special honor and pleasure to have his friend, Anthony Blinken, at the opening ceremony. “It is well known that the Greeks tend to quote their own philosophers when they want to make a point. And if there ever was an embodiment of the rule of law, democratic ideals and values ​​born here in Athens, I’m sure Diogenes would have put a lantern at Minister Blinken’s feetsaid George Tsounis, starting his greeting.

Referring to the inauguration, he characterized landmark for the American embassy the expansion of the American embassy building. He pointed out that the embassy building is one of the most recognizable buildings in Athens, after the Acropolis, and underlined that its expansion and renovation reflects the ever-growing relationship of the US with Greece.

Taking the baton of greetings, Mr Hieronymus, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece stated that it is a special honor and pleasure for him to participate today in the inauguration of the renovated north wing of the American embassy in Athens. He pointed out that it is of particular importance that part of this wing is considered to be the point that houses part of the consular authority. “This is where fellow Greeks have been coming for many decades looking for and envisioning a better future. For thousands of people this point was the first gateway to America, a new country, in which they showed hard work, studiousness and a high level of education and their love for the Church. They created a church, but also communities, managing to combine the creation of elite families with the social contribution to their fellow man. Through this gate it is possible for a family to pass with a hope, and through the same gate for a descendant of that family to return as an ambassadorpointed out Archbishop Hieronymos.

He also wished that this space would always be the fertile land in which peace will be primarily cultivated and concluded with the phrase: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”