Energy cooperation between Greece and the U.S. was the central focus of the discussion between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the new American Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle during their first meeting at the Maximos Mansion (the Prime Minister’s office).
Prime Minister Mitsotakis offered a warm welcome and highlighted the current state of bilateral relations:
“We are happy to welcome you. You arrive at a time when Greek-American relations are at a historic high, which does not mean we cannot improve them further. I believe I have a broad agenda of topics for discussion regarding the deepening of cooperation.”
He emphasized Greece’s strategic role:
“Greece is a pillar of regional stability, a U.S. ally, a country of vital importance in matters of regional cooperation, and, of course, a country that plays a very important role as a factor of stability in all regional conflicts, including the Middle East.”
On Energy:
“Greece is a country that speaks as an equal with the U.S. on energy, particularly on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in the region. We will have a major initiative coinciding with your arrival: a significant conference taking place tomorrow and the day after here in Athens, with a very important American presence.”
“Greece is the entry point for LNG for the entire region. The Vertical Corridor is also a project of strategic importance for Greece and the U.S.”
He concluded by noting future cooperation:
“Beyond these issues, there is a plethora of subjects we will work on together to bring more American investments to Greece through major U.S. technology companies. Next year we will celebrate 250 years of American Independence. Welcome; I look forward to working with you.”
Ambassador Guilfoyle’s statement at Mitsotakis meeting
Ambassador Guilfoyle expressed her enthusiasm and acknowledged the relationship’s strength:
“It is a joy and a privilege to be here in your amazing country, the cradle of democracy.”
She confirmed her political role and the depth of U.S. commitment:
“I will be here as a representative of the Trump Administration as we celebrate the 250th anniversary. We have excellent cooperation. Greece is an energy hub here, on the Vertical Corridor.”
She highlighted the upcoming energy conference:
“More than 80 U.S. government officials will attend the conference here, which is a milestone for Greece and the U.S. The U.S. Secretary of State is returning to Greece, and we also have other ministers; there is great excitement. There is also a large contingent of Deputy Secretaries who will attend. They look forward to seeing you and being part of this milestone.”
She concluded by linking energy and security:
“The management of energy as a pillar of border security will be the highlight of the relationship.”
Guilfoyle presents her credentials to the Greek President
On Tuesday, the new U.S. Ambassador to Greece presented her credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, marking the official start of her duties as the 25th U.S. Ambassador to Athens and the first woman to hold the position.
Tasoulas warmly welcomed Kimberly Guilfoyle, who surprised the President by stating that she was “returning” to Athens. For his part, Tasoulas referred to the significant media interest that the new ambassador’s tenure has already generated since its first hours.
Kimberly Guilfoyle stated:
“It was a great honor to present my credentials to President Konstantinos Tasoulas. It is a profound privilege for me to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic and to be the first female Ambassador of my country to Greece.
“I look forward to working with our Greek allies to advance peace, prosperity, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, and I will be a proud representative of President Trump, a strong advocate for American interests, and an unwavering friend of Greece and the Greek people,” she concluded.
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