US President Donald Trump said Greek-American ties are “stronger than ever” and described Greece as a “valuable partner and ally” during a White House ceremony for the presentation of credentials by Greece’s new ambassador to Washington, Antonis Alexandridis, according to reports.
In formal remarks, Trump said the friendship between Greece and the United States is “strong, historic and rooted in our shared democratic and spiritual heritage.” He added that bilateral relations are at their highest level in recent years and said he looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors including shipping, trade, energy and investment.
During the meeting, Trump asked Alexandridis to convey his warm greetings to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and expressed admiration for Greece, as well as his intention to visit the country.
Trump also cited Greece’s progress toward meeting NATO’s defense-spending target of 5% of gross domestic product, saying Athens is demonstrating “real leadership” within the alliance. “Peace is secured through strength,” he said.
On energy, Trump highlighted US liquefied natural gas exports and the so-called Vertical Corridor, saying related infrastructure projects will boost energy security across the broader region.
He also expressed appreciation for what he described as Greece’s courage in abstaining during the International Maritime Organization’s adoption of a net-zero emissions framework, saying the regulation would have burdened consumers, businesses and global trade.
Trump concluded by pointing to prospects for deeper cooperation in shipbuilding, including discussions on building US frigates in Greece, as well as expanding bilateral ties in trade and investment.