On March 20, American Hellenic Council (AHC) leadership invited U. S. Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt, to participate in a conversation about the latest developments in the U.S.-Greek bilateral relationship.  In a wide-ranging discussion, Ambassador Pyatt highlighted the strength of the U.S.-Greece relationship and commended Greece’s handling of difficulties it currently faces on two fronts: the Evros border and COVID-19.  The Ambassador noted the effective Greek response to the coronavirus outbreak thus far, and encouraged AHC to ‎look for opportunities to reaffirm the long history of American diaspora philanthropy in Greece.  He also reaffirmed the US understanding of Greece’s sovereign right to protect its international borders.  AHC leadership shared a message of support from Greek Americans, who play a critical role in deepening U.S.-Greece relations. The Ambassador emphasized Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ strong relationship with the Trump administration and noted that his public assurance to the President that Greece is a reliable, dependable U.S. ally was well-received in Washington.

Following the conference call, AHC President, Jim Dimitriou, made the following statement:

“Greece is the pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
–US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt

A few days ago we had the privilege of a hosting a teleconference with US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt. This was a very comprehensive & insightful analysis of both US-Greek relations and the current state of affairs in Greece.  Ambassador Pyatt was most complimentary of Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s policies and actions taking Greece from crisis ridden to “the pillar of stability.” He believes that this cooperation will continue to strengthen between our countries.

Pyatt covered such topics as the vast significance of the “East Med Act” & the “Tri-Partate Agreement” for Greece’s vastly improving economic situation to the “Mt. Olympus strategic games” coordinating both US & Greek military forces.  Ambassador Pyatt was very optimistic in how Greece moved to action in its handling the Cov-19 crisis.  He also commended Greek American efforts in helping to provide medical relief such as the efforts of AHEPA & others.

We congratulate Ambassador Pyatt and wish him continued fortitude in these trying times. Greek-American relations can only improve with his unique understanding of the stakes at hand and the future before us!