Greece and the US have a strategic relationship that will remain unchanged regardless of who will emerge as the winner of the presidential election, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday as Americans head to the polls.
“Regardless of the election result in the United States, Greek-American relations are strategic. And I believe that in terms of their content they will not be affected,” he said in a meeting with President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
He also lamented the “very strong polarization and to some extent toxicity” in the US which he said is “a problem in itself for our democracies.”
Regardless of the winner in the presidential election, Mitsotakis said that Europe needs to mature geopolitically. The time has come for Europe to “roll up its sleeves” and adopt different policies.
On her part, Sakellaropoulou noted that “the importance of Europe’s geostrategic independence is highlighted. Our country will work with whatever president the US people elect.”
Greece in strategic relationship with the US
Greece is currently engaged in multiple defense agreements and military programs with the US, all aiming to bolster regional security and counterbalance various global tensions.
One of the most notable defense initiatives under way is Greece’s acquisition of 20 F-35 fighter jets, projected for delivery by the late 2020s.
Additionally, Greece is set to receive 35 Black Hawk helicopters in 2027 and 2028. This is part of a growing list of joint defense projects. These advancements follow a history of close military collaboration. US forces have established strategic positions across Greece, including the Souda Bay Naval Base, Larissa, and Alexandroupoli, which is increasingly vital for NATO’s eastern flank and support in Ukraine.
Greece is also pursuing a new frigate program with the US, involving the potential acquisition of up to seven Constellation-class ships.
The ambitious plan would not only provide Greece with advanced naval capabilities but could also make Greece a critical hub for maintaining this new fleet.
US election on a knife-edge
In one of the closest presidential elections, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are vying to become the next president of the US.
Millions of people will head to the polls to vote for candidates who offer a contrasting vision of America. Harris and Trump each need at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Harris, who became the Democratic Party candidate after President Joe Biden exited the race, has advocated for abortion rights and pledged to lower food and housing costs for working families.
Republican candidate Trump, who survived two assassination attempts this year, has vowed to seal the border and has proposed tax cuts worth trillions.
More than 81 million people have already voted in what polls suggest will be a historically close election.
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