Kimberly Guilfoyle: Greece is a pillar of stability and a staunch NATO ally
ΧΡΟΝΟΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΗΣ 10 '
Greece’s role as a pillar of stability was underlined by Kimberly Guilfoyle, nominee for US ambassador to Greece, during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearings on Wednesday.
In her introductory speech, Guilfoyle committed to becoming a tireless supporter of American interests, a stable partner for Greek allies and a proud and loyal representative of US President Trump and the American people.
The ambassador nominee underlined Greece’s critical role in NATO’s southern flank, making special reference to the strong defense ties between the US and Greece and to the fact that Greece is one of the countries most consistently fulfilling its obligations in the alliance related to defense expenditures.
She also underlined the rising importance of Greece as a critical energy hub in the region, noting particularly the Revythoussa liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, the vertical corridor of Alexandroupolis, and the project to link the Cyprus and Israel electricity grids.
NATO and alliance cooperation
In recent years, Guilfoyle said, Greece has developed into a pillar of stability in a complicated region, and its commitment to common security within the NATO alliance is more important than ever. Greece is staunchly among allies with the highest defense expenditures, and is forecast to continue to invest 3% of its GDP in defense in 2025, while it is on track to reach 5%, according to the alliance’s commitment at The Hague, she noted,a tangible investment in collective security.
In addition, the nominee noted, a significant part of these defense expenditures are directed toward acquiring state-of-the-art American defense technology, including F-35s, advanced Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, and the updated naval ships. Moreover, the proposal for a joint production of naval frigates shows Greece’s long-term commitment to the US-Greece strategic defense collaboration, she pointed out.
These efforts to upgrade are strengthening Greece’s significant military capabilities, Guilfoyle said, building up the eastern flank of the NATO alliance and creating valuable opportunities for American industry. She added that if the Senate approves her appointment, she will prioritize above all the further acceleration of Greece’s defense upgrade, boosting even further the collaboration and synergies between US and Greek defense sectors.
Greece as energy hub
Guilfoyle noted the tremendous progress achieved in energy collaboration, and said the Revythoussa terminal and the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Alexandroupolis allows the US to export more natural gas to Europe. While natural gas from the US now represents 20% of the natural gas share in Greece – from 2% five years ago – there are tremendous opportunities to sell more American energy to Greece and its neighbors, the nominee told the Senate foreign relations committee.
The American ambassador nominee said that during her tenure, if her nomination is approved, she would work for the vertical corridor between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Central Europe, so that Greece may become a hub of American natural gas in the region. She said she would also encourage Greece’s progress in constructing electricity grid linking projects with its neighbors, including Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, which would contribute to the regional energy differentiation and security.
Economic cooperation
Guilfoyle also stressed that economic opportunities remain the central pillar of the strong US-Greek relationship, and she would, if approved, serve as a strategic partner in promoting American trade and investment interests, based on successful efforts to expand opportunities for US businesses in basic sectors, including defense, energy, shipping, infrastructure, technology, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and agriculture.
She would also actively pursue ways to encourage and facilitate Greek investments in the United States, promoting a more balanced, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation, Guilfoyle said.
Q & A
Guilfoyle noted that her approach would focus on promoting stability and strengthening strategic partnerships in the region. Senator Risch stated that the Senate would continue to block the sale of F-35s to Turkey, while Guilfoyle responded that she is working closely with U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Barak and had a productive collaboration with former U.S. Ambassador to Athens George Tsunis.
Guilfoyle highlighted that her priority would be to deepen trilateral cooperation frameworks, including U.S.-Greece-Israel and U.S.-Greece-Cyprus, describing them as “pillars of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean. “If my nomination is confirmed, I will do everything in my power to strengthen these relationships,” she declared.
She made special mention of the Greek-American diaspora, speaking warmly of their contributions and emphasizing the importance of cultural and human ties that bind the two nations.
Addressing a question from Senator Christopher Van Hollen regarding Turkish violations of Greek airspace and adherence to the law of the sea, Guilfoyle referenced her respect for international law and the principles of the NATO alliance. “As a former prosecutor, I have always had a deep respect for the rule of law,” she said, adding that U.S. positions are guided by the State Department’s policies. “The U.S. acts in its interests while sending a clear message internationally,” she noted, further stating: “We must support our allies and demonstrate this commitment in practice. Those who have proven to be strong and reliable allies must be honored.”
Greece: A Pillar of Stability and a Reliable NATO Ally
During her Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the proposed U.S. ambassador to Greece, underscored Greece’s role as a pillar of stability. “If confirmed, I am committed to fully leveraging my professional experience in Athens. I am ready to be a tireless advocate for American interests, a steadfast partner to our Greek allies, and a proud and loyal representative of President Trump and the American people,” she stated.
In her opening remarks, Guilfoyle highlighted Greece’s critical role in NATO’s southern flank, noting its strong defense ties and consistent fulfillment of alliance commitments, particularly regarding defense spending targets. She also emphasized Greece’s emerging importance as a key energy hub in the region, specifically mentioning the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Revithoussa, the vertical corridor through Alexandroupolis, and electrical interconnection projects with Cyprus and Israel.
NATO and Defense Cooperation
“Over recent decades, Greece has emerged as a pillar of stability in a complex region, and its commitment to our collective security within NATO is more significant than ever. Greece consistently ranks among the allies with the highest defense expenditures, projected to invest 3% of its GDP in defense in 2025, with a trajectory to reach 5%, in line with the alliance’s Hague commitment,” Guilfoyle stated.
“This is not merely a matter of statistics; it represents a tangible investment in our collective security. A significant portion of these expenditures has been directed toward acquiring cutting-edge U.S. defense technology, including formidable F-35 fighter jets, advanced Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, and modern naval vessels. Additionally, the proposed joint project for co-producing naval frigates demonstrates Greece’s long-term commitment to our strategic defense partnership.”
She added that these modernization efforts enhance Greece’s significant military capabilities, strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, and create valuable opportunities for American industry. “If confirmed, I will prioritize accelerating Greece’s defense modernization, further enhancing cooperation and synergies between our defense sectors.”
Source: pagenews.gr
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