The meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken took place in a cordial atmosphere, with government sources, to even state when asked about the F35 issue that “Greece, as a consistent and reliable partner and ally, will receive what has been agreed”.

The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis received today at his residence in Chania the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America, Anthony Blinken.

After the private meeting of the Prime Minister with Mr. Blinken followed working meeting in expanded composition.

During the meeting, an overall overview of Greek-American relations was made. It was confirmed that in the context of their excellent level, there will be further positive steps in the field of defense cooperation in the coming period.

In addition, the Prime Minister and Mr. Blinken exchanged views on international and regional issues with a focus on developments in the Middle East.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his growing concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the risks of the crisis expanding, with all that this implies for regional stability and security.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need for an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and underlined that the solution can only be political, based on the two-state solution in accordance with UN resolutions.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Anthony Blinken also exchanged views on developments in Ukraine. The Secretary of State of the United States expressed his thanks for the support provided by Greece to Ukraine from the very beginning.

The situation in the Eastern Mediterranean was also discussed. The Prime Minister reiterated Greece’s firm and timeless position in favor of the peaceful resolution of disputes and good neighborly relations based on International Law, principles that ensure regional stability and security.

The meeting was attended on the Greek side by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Director of the Diplomatic Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Anna Maria Boura and the Special Advisor for International Policy and Public Diplomacy to the Prime Minister Aristotelia Pelonis.

Greece-US relations are stronger than ever

During the reception of the American Foreign Minister at his home, Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed him pointing out that there is a symbolism for the depth of the relations between the two countries, which are at the best point they have ever been.

In particular, the Prime Minister during the reception stated: “Mr. Minister, it is a real pleasure to welcome you to my home in Souda Bay, and I really can’t think of a place that better symbolizes the depth of our partnership than here, the island of Crete. I am very happy to welcome you at a time when I honestly feel that our bilateral relationship is at the best level it has ever been.”

“In these difficult and challenging times for the region, it is extremely important for us to stand side by side, not only to work to further strengthen our relationship, but also to act as allies and ensure that peace and stability return to our troubled region. Again, it is a real pleasure to welcome you here.”

The American Secretary of State, for his part, thanked the Greek Prime Minister for the welcome, acknowledging the honor of receiving him at his home in Chania and underlining the importance of hospitality.

“Mr. Prime Minister, I must tell you that it is a great honor for me, both professionally and personally, to welcome me here in your home. I have many Greek friends in the United States, I know what it means to welcome someone into your home and that means a lot, so thank you for that.”

“And you should too to completely agree with you regarding the relationship between our countries. I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and I’ve been telling our ambassador, our wonderful ambassador George Tsounis, that I can never remember the relationship, the partnership, the friendship between the United States and Greece being stronger. Of course, this is about the close relationship between our peoples, but it is also about leadership, and your leadership in particular. We are grateful for that.”

“We stand united in the face of some of the most formidable challenges we have encountered. But the fact that we’re standing together, that we’re working together, whether it’s defending Ukraine, whether it’s for peace and stability in the Mediterranean, whether it’s dealing with the situation in the Middle East, in Gaza, or in so many other ways, that’s tremendous source of strength and reassurance for the United States.”

“So I know we have a lot to talk about and that’s why I’m here. Your voice, your opinions, your advice, and your cooperation mean a lot to the United States. Thank you.”