The strengthening of bilateral relations and the exploration of ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation between Greece and the US was the focus of contacts held by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, in Washington, DC.

The Greek diplomatic chief held targeted contacts Wednesday with influential U.S. lawmakers on committees with an interest in the country’s geographic region. During these meetings, the bipartisan support that Greek-American relations enjoy in Congress was noted.

Specifically, on Wednesday he met with Republican chairman of the Georgia International Relations Committee Jim Reese and Democratic leader Jean Shaheen. In addition, he visited with Republican Rep. Brian Mast, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks.

During the discussions, emphasis was placed on promoting Greece as an investment destination, as well as highlighting its critical geopolitical role as a strategic energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The role played by our country as a reliable partner of the United States in the Southeastern Europe and the Middle East was also discussed.

In this context, the US lawmakers showed interest and wanted to learn about the Greek minister’s recent tour of the Middle East region, as well as his visit to Syria. The Foreign Minister will continue his contacts in Washington on Thursday, where he will have the opportunity to visit Senators Chris Van Hollen and Cory Booker, who are members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.