U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle described Greece as an “indispensable ally” and one of the leading energy gateways to Europe during remarks at the “Nisyros Dialogues – Bridging the East Med” event.
“Greece is an indispensable ally for the United States, and together we are ready to confront any challenges as strategic partners,” she emphasized.
Energy Security Is National Security
Guilfoyle stressed that she works daily to expand energy ties, strengthen defense coordination, and increase reliable investments between the two countries.
She noted that Greece exemplifies President Donald Trump’s vision of “peace through strength,” pointing to defense investments and the country’s commitment to shared security.
“Energy security is national security in the new transatlantic reality,” she said, highlighting the strategic importance of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), Eastern Mediterranean resources, and European infrastructure.
According to the ambassador, these are not competing visions but “mutually reinforcing pillars of a new, more secure energy architecture.”
Greece at the Center of the Energy Corridor
With U.S. backing, Greece has emerged as a key regional energy hub, expanding LNG import capacity, strengthening ties with neighboring countries, and positioning itself as one of Europe’s leading energy gateways.
Guilfoyle pointed to record LNG exports to Europe and the acceleration of diversification away from Russian natural gas. She also referenced strategic coordination that led to agreements with major U.S. energy firms, including ExxonMobil and Chevron.
She described Greece as the focal point of the so-called “Vertical Corridor,” transporting LNG northward toward Odesa and across southeastern Europe. Discussions are ongoing with additional corridor countries to further expand capacity.
“These are long-term agreements. You will see the benefits for many years to come,” she said.
Defense and Investment Cooperation
The ambassador also highlighted American investments in the Elefsina shipyards, describing them as a thriving industrial hub now providing high-quality jobs to the local community.
She noted that Greece has exceeded U.S. expectations by committing to spend 5% of its GDP on defense — one of the highest levels within NATO.
Guilfoyle underscored her close cooperation with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Energy and Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou.
“The United States will always stand by its ally — an incredible nation and the birthplace of democracy,” she stated.
Countering Chinese Influence
In a pointed reference to geopolitical competition, Guilfoyle said she actively works to advance U.S. economic and strategic interests in Greece and the wider region.
“That means very aggressively countering Chinese interests,” she said.
She acknowledged that Chinese investments in Greece occurred during a period of economic hardship, when alternative bidders were limited, but stressed that Europe must apply rigorous scrutiny to foreign strategic investments moving forward.
“We can invest capital and infrastructure to build alternative ports that offset Chinese interests in Piraeus,” she added, signaling a forward-looking approach to balancing influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A Call for Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean
Guilfoyle emphasized that a stable Eastern Mediterranean requires predictability at sea, clear rules, and trust among regional states.
She described the region as both a thriving trade corridor and a region prone to tensions stemming from maritime boundary disputes, irregular migration flows, and broader security threats.
“A stable and resilient Eastern Mediterranean is essential,” she concluded.
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