US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt, in a video message addresses US citizens living in Greece discusses the reopening of consular services.
He begins the message by commending Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Greek government "for the really impressive way in which Greece has managed its way through this health emergency. I think all of us count ourselves lucky to be in Greece at a time when the Greek people and the government have worked together so effectively to minimise the impact of the coronavirus pandemic."
"I am also very proud of the role that American companies played both through their humanitarian support to Greece and the Greek people, but also the technology that has been so important to informing the government's response to this crisis," he added.
He also praised the government’s fact-based, scientific approach which he notes "is one of the reasons Greece is now beginning to reopen."
Following the guidance of the State Department in Washington, later this month consular appointments will resume again with new safety measures. "We know there is a lot of built up demand from the time at which our consular operation was closed to public services, we are going to work through that as quickly and as efficiently as we can, but we need your support."
The US Ambassador encouraged viewers to visit the consulate website where they will be able to find updates of services, status of appointments as well as the usual advice to Americans visiting or living in Greece.
He concluded by wishing "everybody a healthy, safe and enjoyable summer in Greece. It is the most remarkable time of the year in this country, and I know my wife Mary and I also look forward to enjoying it."
[su_youtube_advanced url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G018UcFElk" width="300" height="200" theme="light" title="Ambassador Pyatt's message to U.S. citizens in Greece"]Earlier in the day, Pyatt met with Hydra Mayor George Koukoudakis, to discuss the role of American philhellenes on the island.
It is also recalled that last week, a few hours after the signing of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Greece and Italy, Greek Parliament President Constantine Tassoulas met with US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt.
“The role of the US is important and based on the fact that Greece is a pillar of stability in the region, of course this alliance is one of the top priorities for the United States,” said Pyatt, adding that the US was cooperating closely with Greece especially in matters of defence and security “let alone in the region of the Southeastern Mediterranean and in cooperation with countries such as Cyprus and Libya.”