Greek-US ties closer than ever

The ceremony of presenting credentials to the new Greek ambassador to the United States, Antonis Alexandridis, was accompanied by a clear political and geostrategic message.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, described US-Greek relations as “stronger than ever,” focusing on defense, energy, and shipbuilding cooperation.

“Strong and historic friendship”

During his official address, the US president referred to the ties between Greece and the United States as “strong, historic and rooted in our shared democratic and spiritual heritage”. He noted that the two countries maintain a stable and timeless relationship, adding that he looks forward to further strengthening it in the coming period.

This reference is part of a broader framework of strategic convergence, which has recently acquired clear characteristics of defense and energy cooperation.

Message on 5% of GDP in NATO

Trump made special mention of Greece’s progress towards achieving NATO’s target of 5% of GDP in defense spending, noting that Athens is demonstrating “real leadership” within the Alliance.

“Peace is secured through strength,” he underlined. The reference to Greece as an example of consistency within NATO reflects the importance that Washington attaches to the country’s role.

Energy and the Vertical Corridor

In the field of energy, the US president focused particularly on the exports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe, as well as on the so-called Vertical Corridor, the infrastructure network connecting Southeast with Central Europe.

He assessed that these projects enhance the energy security not only of Greece but also of the wider region, reducing dependence on unstable or geopolitically sensitive sources of supply. Greece is emerging, in this context, as a transit and diversification hub for energy flows.

Greece’s stance at the International Maritime Organization

Trump also expressed his appreciation for Greece’s choice to abstain from the adoption by the International Maritime Organization of the net zero emissions framework for shipping.

According to him, this specific regulation would burden consumers, businesses and global trade, stressing the need for a balance between environmental goals and economic sustainability. This reference touches on a particularly critical sector for the Greek economy, given the importance of shipping at a global level.

Open window for frigates in Greece

The US president’s reference to talks on the construction of US frigates in Greece was rather important.

Such a move, if it proceeds, would signal a qualitative upgrade of defense cooperation, with parallel benefits for the Greek industrial base and employment.

Trump also referred to the expansion of bilateral relations in the fields of trade and investment, leaving the field open for further economic convergence.