Greece "a key ally and a crucial player in the Eastern Mediterranean": Pompeo to Mitsotakis

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent a letter to PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stating that the US remains committed to supporting democracy, prosperity and security in Greece.

He started the letter by referencing the signing of the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which “is a turning point in an enhanced security partnership between Greece and the United States. Apart from being fellow members of NATO, our two countries are forging a much closer strategic relation through the MDCA. As President Trump said when he was with you, our relationship is "extraordinary."

Further, Pompeo also said that Mitsotakis’ visit to the United States “was a clear reaffirmation of the close ties and cooperation between our two countries... We consider Athens a key ally, and a crucial player in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Balkans. The United States will remain committed to supporting Greece’s prosperity, security, and democracy."

“The United States is following closely developments in the region and stands firm in its belief that those with interests in the Eastern Mediterranean should seek solutions through peaceful means… and refrain from any action or declaration that could be provocative,” he continued.

“We do not need an escalation of tensions in the region, but rather candid dialogue that leads to the outcomes that respect international law. Thank you for your friendship as we continue to build on the already successful partnership between our two countries,” Pompeo concluded in his friendly letter.

It must be noted that Pompeo's letter is the first letter sent by a US Secretary of State to a Greek PM in over 40 years, the last which occurred during the term of Henry Kissinger.

*Image Credit: Louisa Gouliamaki