The US ambassador to Greece, George Tsounis, who is leaving his position in a few weeks, speaking on Monday night on the Mega TV station, emphasized that he is leaving the embassy but not Greece, noting that he will always be by the country’s side us and will help as he can.

He said he feels “bittersweet“, who leaves in seven weeks and added that his years in Greece were “the best three years of my life”.

Referring to relationships USA-Greece characterized them excellentwhile speaking about Greek-Turkish, he said that the situation in the Aegean is calm now, and it is better for both Greece and Turkey. He added that the US wants the resolution of the Greek-Turkish disputes through diplomatic means because the alternative is unthinkable, as he said. He estimated that as long as they cannot be resolved they can be defused, and he called stability an important priority of the United States. He expressed hope that nothing will change in relations with Greece after the election of Donald Trump, and said that in the last 15 years things have been good, and relations have been better between the US and Greece. Mr. Tsounis described Greece as an important strategic partner of the US in the region, while noting that the values ​​that the US respects, such as democracy, were born in Greece.

Speaking in a personal tone he referred to family of, at his father’s house in Mountainous Nafpaktiawhile he spoke with great emotion about his father who he lost many years ago. Referring to his tenure in our country, he said that there was no conflict of interest between the US and Greece, while he noted that the first advice he received as ambassador was “he should be “buttoned up”” because he is not a professional diplomat. He expressed his satisfaction with the acceptance he gets, as he said, from the people when he visits different parts of the country and Athens. In addition, he commented that Greece should be a “beacon of opportunity” like the USA and children should have opportunities to become the best version of themselves.

Referring to war in Ukraine he called it “an utter tragedy” but pointed out that as tragic as the situation is, it would be worse if the war spread.

At the same time, he declared that he was proud of Greece that while 12 years ago was the “black sheep» her Europeas he said, today he changed, he came out of this situation as the fastest growing country with three times the growth rate of the eurozone and he is doing very well. He emphasized the need to create an innovation ecosystem and said there is interest from American universities to come to Greece.

Also asked about the Parthenon sculpturesstated that ancient objects should be returned to their place of origin. Finally, he extolled the beauties of our country, expressed his admiration for the areas he visited both in the sea and in the mountains, said that he does not forget his roots, and mentioned that his favorite food is fish soup.