Kontogeorgis: Greek-American relations at excellent point, we look forward to working with new US president

Greek-American relations have acquired depth and should be strengthened, as relations are firmly established, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis said in an interview to 'Talk Radio' on Monday.

Greek-American relations have acquired depth and should be strengthened, as relations are firmly established, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kontogeorgis said in an interview to ‘Talk Radio’ on Monday.

“Overall for Europe, I believe that the cooperation there must be with the United States will continue. On the other hand, on Europe’s side, and in the context of an overall readiness, there are things that must be done in the sector of competitiveness and autonomy in energy and defense, Kontogeorgis said. He added, “In terms of Greece, Greek-American relations have acquired such depth that we hope and believe that this will be strengthened, relations are firmly established. We look forward to a good cooperation with President Trump; after all, [there are] issues that concern us both, such as the Southeast Mediterranean.”

As the minister noted, President-elect Trump “has mentioned recently that he wants NATO members to spend more. Greece is one of the first countries [to do so], above the average, while it also seeks that other countries upgrade their defense policy in the context of the European Union’s strategic autonomy. There are opportunities for cooperation.”

Asked to comment on a possible change in tariff policy by the United States, Kontogeorgis replied, “There is readiness in the EU about these issues, we look forward to a constructive dialog.” Greece, he added, has acquired self-confidence due to the state of the economy and its international position, and “cannot exist as an independent islet in the European and global map, but be able to face the next steps with optimism. Whatever happens, we expect to deal with it.”

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he added, “has an international capital that he uses to Greece’s benefit with alliances at European and international level; we will continue doing that.”