Gerapetritis in Blinken: Depth of Greek-American relations with the F35

Let me begin by expressing my sincere condolences to the families of the five crew members of the military helicopter who lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic accident.

Our meeting today marks the start of the 5th US-Greece Strategic Dialogue.

Today, I would like to emphasize the importance of these two words of Greek origin.

Strategikos, which comes from the Greek word strategikos, and means highest hierarchy.

And Dialogue which comes from the Greek word Dialogos, which means discussion using logic and argumentation.

Therefore, through our strategic dialogue, we can define a vision and strengthen policies based on shared values ​​to work together for the prosperity of our nations and world peace.

Such meaningful cooperation is needed today more than ever, given the pressing global challenges such as climate change, migration and pandemics that directly affect the lives of billions of people.

But also in the context of critical regional conflicts – from Ukraine to the South Caucasus and from Gaza to the Red Sea and the Sahel region – with direct extraterritorial effects that undermine international security and threaten the lives of innocent civilians.

What is urgently needed is global cooperation based on moral commitments under the auspices of International Law. This is, after all, the epitome of global governance that calls for a rules-based international order and universal solidarity.

From this point of view, the further cultivation of our bilateral relations as well as transatlantic cooperation is of utmost importance.

Greece today has significant diplomatic capital, as a pillar of security in the Eastern Mediterranean. We promote multilateralism, as one of the oldest members of the EU and NATO. We actively support EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans and Ukraine.

We underline the need to respect International Law and especially the International Law of the Sea. We urge the resumption of talks for a sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, and welcome the appointment of a personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General.

In relation to the Middle East, we are able – thanks to our relations with both Israel and the Arab countries – to work constructively, so as to prevent the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and the spread of hostilities, and to work for a sustainable peace. And I would like to take this opportunity to highlight Minister Blinken’s tireless efforts to prevent escalation and humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East, from which he has just returned.

As for Ukraine, we are hosting next week, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank, an International Conference on the reconstruction of the country.

Regarding the global climate crisis, in April we will host the 9th “Our Ocean Conference” in Athens, which will focus on the protection of the marine environment. I had the opportunity, earlier this morning, to have a public discussion on this matter with Mr. Kerry. And as a candidate country for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, we intend to put contemporary challenges on the carpet.

In addition, our economy is back on a strong growth trajectory. This is also due to the iconic foreign direct investments from the USA, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Pfizer and ONEX’s investments in the shipyards of Syros and Elefsina. Investments that deepen our commercial relationships.

We are increasingly becoming a key player and hub in the energy sector with a particular focus on infrastructure and interconnectors as well as increased use of renewables in the energy mix. We thus contribute to Europe’s energy diversification and security. Just last month, our new floating liquefied natural gas storage and regasification unit (FSRU) arrived in Alexandroupoli and will soon start supplying natural gas to the Balkans and Eastern Europe, via Greece.

We are further developing our defense capability. The impending acquisition of up to 40 F-35 fighter jets demonstrates the depth of Greek-American relations and highlights our excellent defense cooperation, as governed by the MDCA.

In light of the above, I venture to say that the US and Greece complement each other, doing everything in their power to contribute to the regional and global security architecture.

This strategic interaction makes our transatlantic relationship and our bilateral dialogue more relevant. A relationship with historical depth, forged by our shared commitment to the values ​​of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

Let me close by referring to the ties between the two peoples, which are a defining foundation of our strategic dialogue.

The Greek-American diaspora is an excellent bridge of friendship and understanding between our two nations.

And, in my academic capacity, I can only underline the importance of educational bridges between our peoples.

Institutions such as the Fulbright Exchange Program, the US German Marshall Fund and other American educational institutions have contributed positively to the mutual understanding between our two peoples. We look forward to the further development of ties between American and Greek universities and students in the near future.

And, of course, we also appreciate the 53 Greek-related programs at American universities, including the 11 chairs of Greek studies and the 37 Greek language programs. These cultural bridges – just one aspect of the wider fabric of Cultural Diplomacy in our friendship – further strengthen our mutual ties.

Dear Minister,