U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt assured that the US and Greece will further increase their economic relationship in 2021 during the 22nd Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum.
"If I can leave you with one idea today, it’s that despite a pandemic-induced global slowdown and the huge challenges that COVID-19 has created for all of us, Greece, from the perspective of the American government, is on the right track and moving forward, and indeed, as Ambassador Papadopoulou just described, U.S.- Greece relations have never been better," he stated in his opening remarks.
Pyatt pointed out that "Mitsotakis’ market-friendly reforms have enhanced Greece’s reputation as a trusted destination for American investment, paving the way, in particular, for Greece’s emerging knowledge-based economy."
He also referred to Greece’s relationship with Microsoft. In October, Microsoft’s President/Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith announced that the technology company will build data centers in Greece, a move that will assist the country’s economy. It will be one of Microsoft’s first data centers in Europe which will store and manage data in the cloud computing.
"Other American companies like Amazon Web Services and Digital Realty are also collaborating with Greece on cloud infrastructure and technology, prompted by Greece’s new Digital Governance Code, the innovative Faistos Fund to develop new 5G applications, and tax incentives aimed at reversing brain drain and bringing digital migrants back to Greece," he added.
The ambassador also highlighted Greece’s critical contributions to European energy security: "With the recently completed Trans Adriatic Pipeline, the under-construction Greece-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector targeted for completion next year, the Alexandroupoli floating storage regassification unit, and new planned connections to North Macedonia, Greece and its neighbors are literally redrawing the energy map of Southeastern Europe, diversifying sources and routes."
In particular, he said that the United States wants to be part of "bold green agenda" set by PM Mitsotakis, acknowledging that renewables are the future.
Pyatt also emphasised that "Greece has become a country that can deliver solutions to the challenges that the United States faces in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans."
In his concluding remarks, he said that support with the new administration in the United States. "Indeed, President-elect Biden and his team know Greece very well and understand Greece’s critical role as a pillar of stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans."
"So together, we’re going to continue to build on the very strong foundation of the past several years, and I expect we will take our economic relationship to even greater heights in 2021. Ευχαριστώ πολύ," he concluded.
Combined with internal reforms & the all-time high in US-Greece relations, I’m confident Greece has found a recipe for economic success.
— George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassadorGR) December 15, 2020
Geoffrey Pyatt also met with Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Tuesday, to brief him on the US government’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Turkey over the purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system.
The pair also discussed regional issues and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greece welcomes US sanctions against Turkey for purchasing Russian missile system
FM @NikosDendias met w/ @USAmbPyatt at @GreeceMFA - focus on bilateral relations, regional issues & #EasternMediterranean.
US Ambassador also informed FM Dendias on yesterday's announcement regarding the U.S. imposition of sanctions on Turkey under CAATSA pic.twitter.com/SktuCA7fKv— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) December 15, 2020
