US Senator Bob Menendez said on Thursday in Athens that the destinies of Greece and the United States have always been connected on the basis of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and the relationship between them has never been stronger.
The chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee addressed the inaugural event of the Forum “Greece 2040,” organized by the “Greece 2021” Committee and held at the Acropolis Museum.
Menendez underlined Greece’s long-standing relations with the US, while noting that Greece plays a leading role in the region, promoting peace and stability in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The US Senator also stressed that Greece has a bright future and is an ideal partner for the US.
Menendez: Greece and Cyprus are linchpins of democracy
“Greece and Cyprus are linchpins of democracy in the eastern Mediterranean,” he said, adding that the US will leverage the tripartite partnership of these two countries with Israel.
He asserted he is as committed to championing the tripartite partnership as he is to the completion of the US-Greece Defense Partnership Act of 2021.
Spoke today at the Acropolis Museum on the U.S.' reverence for & enduring partnership with Greece. We must meet modern challenges together in order to build a world that reflects our commitment to free society, market, expression, movement, & the dignity of all humankind. pic.twitter.com/o5vNxxrsTk
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SFRCdems) August 26, 2021
The American Senator noted that Greece played an important role in the first steps of the establishment of democracy in the USA, emphasizing that the ideas of the ancient Greek sages for democracy and the rule of law inspired the leaders of the American Revolution to proceed with the Declaration of Independence.
Greece’s struggle for independence has won the admiration of the Americans who were watching the heroic efforts of the Greeks, Menendez said, noting that the author of the American Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, sent a letter to Adamantios Korais expressing his solidarity with the Greek people.
Menendez also referred to the American philhellenes who traveled to Greece in order to contribute to the winning of its freedom.
“Greek independence is an important achievement, a true example of the story of David and Goliath, and I am glad that these Americans were able to play a small role,” he said, adding that the United States continues to stand by Greece.
Referring to Turkey, Menendez stressed that he hopes it will be a democratic and constructive partner which respects its NATO commitments and the commitments it has made with its neighbors in the region. The United States wants to support efforts in the region to improve relations and ease tensions, “but we cannot remain silent when Turkey’s behavior escalates tensions.”
As we celebrate 200 years of Greek independence, let us look to the future. The U.S.' & Greece's shared love of freedom, commitment to democracy & trust in the rule of law intertwine our destinies & ensure our nations' friendship will endure for many generations to come. pic.twitter.com/4J4DMKj7io
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SFRCdems) August 26, 2021
Menendez meets Greece’s PM Mitsotakis
Earlier on Thursday Menendez met with Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Welcoming the chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mitsotakis described him as a “good friend of Greece.” He also noted that Menendez has placed the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean at the center of US foreign policy.
It is a real pleasure to welcome the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SenatorMenendez to Athens, a very good friend of Greece, but also someone who has placed the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean at the center of US foreign policy. pic.twitter.com/46WfOLV4nf
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) August 26, 2021
Greek diplomatic sources told AMNA that the visit of Senator Menendez marks the strategic nature of Greek-American relations, the deepening of Greek-US defense cooperation and the role of Greece as a pillar of stability and peace in the wider region, through the new architecture of alliances in which our country participates.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
