US hails Greece as ‘pillar of stability’ in the eastern Mediterranean

Washington has made overtures to Athens at the start of Mike Pompeo’s five-day tour of Europe

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wearing a mask attends a signing agreement ceremony in the northern city of Thessaloniki, on September 28, 2020 AFP

The United States has called Greece a key partner in both the eastern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans at the start of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s five-day tour of Europe.

Mr Pompeo arrived in Greece early on Monday morning as the US State Department emphasised the importance of ties between Athens and Washington.

“Greece is a critical partner with which the United States shares key strategic goals,” the US statement read.

“The United States considers Greece a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans and a vital partner in bolstering security and prosperity in the region.

“We are committed to supporting Greece’s security, prosperity, and continued democracy,” it added.

Mr Pompeo’s two-day visit to the Hellenic Republic comes amid a critical dispute between Greece and its long-time rival and neighbour Turkey. The two nations have come close to an all-out conflict in recent months over maritime border disagreements.

Nato, of which Greece and Turkey are both members, has designs to expand its mission in the eastern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans with plans to bolster Greece’s naval base on the Greece island of Crete.

Mr Pompeo’s visit will emphasise the two countries' “shared commitment to advance security, peace, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans, as well as celebrate the strongest US-Greek relationship in decades”, the state department said.

Under the 2019 defence agreement between Athens and Washington, the two nations have expanded bilateral activities at Larissa and Stefanovikio to sustain cooperation at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on Crete where significant US military forces are deployed.

The United States is also working together with Greece on expanding regional cooperation, through the “3+1” diplomatic mechanism with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.