During the annual Congressional celebration of Greek Independence Day, members of Congress and the ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus to the United States underscored the need to strengthen their alliances at a critical geopolitical juncture.
The event was organized by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) at the Capitol, in cooperation with the Congressional Hellenic Caucus. This year, the 205th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821 occurs alongside the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution—a convergence highlighted by many legislators in their remarks.
Emphasis on strategic cooperation between the US and Greece, Cyprus
Democratic Representative Chris Pappas (NH), co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, set the tone for the event by emphasizing the depth of current energy, military, and economic cooperation. “We have never relied on Greece and Cyprus as much as we do today,” he noted. Pappas described the Hellenic Caucus as a “genuinely bipartisan” coalition in an era of deep political division in the U.S., explicitly stating that one of the group’s goals is to counter “Turkey’s malign influence.”
Democratic Representative Dina Titus (NV), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, echoed these sentiments. She characterized Turkey as a “problematic and unreliable ally,” arguing that Greece holds a “pivotal geopolitical position” and acts as a dependable partner through its energy cooperation with Cyprus and Israel.
Foreign policy concerns and defense
Republican Representative Mike Lawler (NY), chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, expressed explicit opposition to the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. This position was shared by Democratic Representative Gabe Amo (RI), also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Democratic Representative Frank Pallone (NJ) offered a broader perspective on U.S. foreign policy, stating, “Our alliances are being tested—not only with Greece, but overall, even within NATO.” Nevertheless, he affirmed his unwavering commitment to the U.S.-Greece alliance and reiterated the long-standing American policy supporting the reunification of Cyprus.
Republican Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL), co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, highlighted Greece’s recent inclusion in the State Partnership Program (SPP), which will facilitate military cooperation between the Greek Armed Forces and the Florida National Guard.
Statements from diplomats and leadership
Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Antonis Alexandridis placed bilateral relations in a historical context, noting, “Greek revolutionaries were inspired by the American Revolution, just as the founders of the United States were inspired by Athenian democracy.” He described the relationship as reciprocal, emphasizing that Greece remains a “pillar of stability and prosperity” within an unstable geopolitical environment.
Cyprus Ambassador Evangelos Savva stressed that in a “particularly difficult geopolitical environment,” Cyprus and Greece are fighting for “freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and proper relations between states,” identifying both nations as “pillars of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
AHI President Nick Larigakis reminded the audience that Cyprus has endured 52 years of illegal occupation, that Turkey continues to challenge Greek sovereignty, and that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is still denied full religious freedom. He also noted that Greece has surpassed NATO’s defense spending target, with expenditures reaching 5% of its GDP.
The event was also attended by Representatives Jim Costa and Josh Gottheimer, with a message of support sent by Senator Chris Van Hollen.
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