Joe Biden Sends Message on Greece’s Bicentennial

US President Joe Biden on Monday sent President Katerina Sakellaropoulou a letter on the occasion of Greece celebrating the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek Revolution.

In his letter, Biden underlined the fact that Greece is a key NATO ally and close friend of the United States, a country that provides stability and actively contributes to peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Western Balkans.

He also noted that during his political career he had had the privilege of working closely with several Greek prime ministers and has also had long conversations with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Biden noted that he looks forward to continue the tradition of further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, and of reaffirming the joint commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance and to all the common values that unite Greece and the US.

Joe Biden’s manifesto for Greece

Joe Biden’s team released an outline of the policies that the Democratic candidate will implement regarding Greek-Americans and relations with Greece and Cyprus in October 2020.

“Throughout his many years in public life, Joe Biden has a long record of engagement on issues important to Greek-Americans and a record of support for strengthening the U.S.-Greece relationship,” the document says.

It adds that Biden has worked personally with Greek leaders over many decades to strengthen the alliance. “As President, Joe Biden will be committed to a strong dialogue with both Greek-American leaders and the leadership of Greece to sustain the bond between our countries,” it pledges.

The document lists a number of initiatives Biden has taken to strengthen the US relationship with Greece and Cyprus, including:

• working closely with European leaders and the International Monetary Fund to ensure that Greece got a fair deal during the financial crisis,
• opposing the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, calling on the Trump Administration to press Turkey to refrain from further provocative actions in the region against Greece,
• showing “unwavering support” for the ability of the Patriarchate to function in its role as the center of the Greek Orthodox Church.

The document pledges that, if elected, Joe Biden will do the following:

● Will work with our close ally Greece to advance stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
● Unlike President Trump, he will call out Turkish behavior that is in violation of international law or that contravenes its commitments as a NATO ally, such as Turkish violations of Greek airspace.
● He will work diplomatically to bring a resolution to the Cyprus question.
● He will continue to be a strong voice for religious freedom globally, including the rights of the Greek Orthodox Church.