Kikilias-Guilfoyle Agree on Eastern Med Security and Shipbuilding Pact

Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias and U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle have pledged to intensify bilateral cooperation in port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and maritime security following high-level talks at the Ministry in Piraeus.

The meeting highlighted Washington’s strong interest in investing in Greek port upgrades while leveraging Greece’s position as the world’s leading ship-owning nation to bolster U.S. shipbuilding capacity under President Donald J. Trump’s recent executive order prioritizing allied partnerships.

Key discussion points:

• Joint investment in Greek port modernization and operational readiness
• Enhanced navigation safety mechanisms across the Eastern Mediterranean
• Technology and know-how transfer in shipbuilding and repair
• Strategic alignment to counter regional instability and secure global trade routes

Minister Kikilias emphasized Greece’s role as a stable hub in a volatile region and the government’s drive to attract major foreign investment into maritime infrastructure.

Ambassador Guilfoyle praised Greek-owned shipping as “a pillar of global trade stability” and confirmed U.S. support for partnerships that boost innovation, interoperability, and security in the sector.

The visit concluded with a symbolic tour of the historic Hellas Liberty floating museum in Piraeus – a WWII-era Liberty ship built in the U.S. – underscoring the long-standing maritime ties between the two nations.

Both sides are committed to continued close collaboration on investment, security, and industrial cooperation.