The meeting of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with the American President, Joe Biden, at the White House is important on many levels.tomorrow at noon USA, as, as government sources note, at a critical geopolitical juncture partners and allies recognize Greece as a reliable and consistent partner, a factor of stability in the region in a time of instability and uncertainty, a strong, determined, stable Greece in its positions. In fact, the role of Greece as a factor of stability is sealed with the vote a few days ago on the amendment of the MDCA (Greece-US Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement).
The same people point out that the Greek-American defense agreement proves the long-term character of the US commitment to invest geopolitically in our country, something that the Prime Minister will highlight in all his contacts, formal and informal- which will have tomorrow and the day after tomorrow in Washington.
Government officials are talking about a substantive visit but also a broader symbolism of the historical ties between Greece and the USA, on the occasion of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, a milestone that due to the coronavirus pandemic could not be celebrated in 2021 by either the White House or Congress.
It is recalled that this is the second visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the White House, as he had met with Donald Trump at the White House in January 2020. In fact, the meeting at the White House with Joe Biden was scheduled to take place but The pandemic changed the plans, as evidenced by close associates of the prime minister.
The agenda of the Mitsotaki – Biden meeting
Tomorrow’s meeting of the two leaders is expected to cover a wide range of bilateral and non-bilateral issues. In the context of the Greece-US strategic partnership, including the cooperation of the 3 + 1 group, issues of bilateral interest will be raised on the table, the Russian invasion of Ukraine – a crucial issue for the West in which the government emphasizes that it has taken a clear and unequivocal stance. providing humanitarian and defense support in the first instance and demonstrating in practice its solidarity with endangered partners, but also by applying in international law the European and allied response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, international and regional issues are expected to be discussed.
Government sources confirm that the issue of Turkish provocation will also be raised. After all, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has already raised the issue of Turkish overflights over Greek territory as an issue that undermines and endangers the cohesion of NATO at a time when unity is required.
The energy issue will also be on the agenda, as Greece can become the hub for the transport of gas and clean energy from the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean to the Balkans and Southeastern Europe, and therefore actively contribute to Europe’s independence from Russian fossil fuels, but also in diversifying energy routes and in Europe’s energy security. In this context, moreover, the floating offshore terminal in Alexandroupolis enhances the importance of the region not only militarily, but also energetically, as well as commercially. As reported, US investments in Greece, such as those of Pfizer and Microsoft, will have a prominent place in the contacts of the prime minister in the American capital.
The meeting of the Greek Prime Minister with the American President will be followed by a reception at the White House by the Biden couple in honor of the Mitsotakis couple, for the 200 years since the Revolution. Government sources note that the reception, which is not usual and, nevertheless, is the first one held during the Biden administration, is indicative of the level, but also of the depth and breadth of the relations, to which the Greek community has contributed the most, with which the American President has traditionally maintained good relations.
Before the meeting at the White House, tomorrow morning in the USA, Mr. Mitsotakis will have a discussion with the journalist David Ignatius at the University of Georgetown.
Mitsotaki’s speech to the Congress is a historic moment
During the second day of Mitsotakis’s activity in Washington, the day after Tuesday, the most important “snapshot” is none other than the speech of the Greek Prime Minister in the Congress. Government sources speak of a historic moment and an extraordinary honor for him and for the country, which on the one hand is reserved for a few foreign leaders and on the other hand seals the excellent level of bilateral relations.
The same people note that the Prime Minister will have the opportunity to address both the American public and the Greek community. with a speech that will have a national, geopolitical and historical position on the relations between the two countries and the position of Greece in the world. In addition, in Congress, the Prime Minister will also have contacts with the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, but also with chairmen of important Committees, such as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the corresponding Committee of the House of Representatives. In fact, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to have contacts with people who have supported and continue to support issues of Greek interest in the US Congress. According to competent government sources, the proposal for inter-parliamentary and defense cooperation between Greece and the United States, which became law of the American state, was a proposal that was implemented thanks to the contribution of the Greek community and individuals who support the Greek position.
Finally, the visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the USA is a first class opportunity to honor the Greek community, as a bridge between the two countries.. In this context and at the end of his visit to Washington, the Prime Minister is expected to attend a dinner organized in his honor by 11 expatriate organizations, which he will honor.
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