At the Greece Talks conference hosted by Travel.gr and Proto Thema, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle spoke with journalist Giorgos Evgenidis about the deepening U.S.–Greece partnership, shared strategic priorities, and what lies ahead. She opened by saying she felt “among familiar faces and old friends,” noting how much she enjoyed Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ remarks. “We’re not just allies—we stand together for freedom,” she said. “A strong U.S.–Greece relationship benefits not only our two countries, but the world. My goal as ambassador is to advance that in meaningful ways.”

Guilfoyle highlighted cooperation in shipyards, fuel-supply systems, critical infrastructure, and shared democratic values. “Our partnership is driven by people. Millions of Americans and Greeks travel and connect every year. Democracy isn’t a relic of the past—it’s the engine of our shared future,” she said. “We have a lot of work ahead, and we must move forward with unity and purpose.”

Speaking about her transition to Athens, she described her first days in Greece as “remarkable,” saying she works 17-hour days and had long prepared for this role. She recalled studying Greek history as a student and added that Greece feels “even better than New York—warm, welcoming, and full of life.”

On energy, Guilfoyle said she has a “wide agenda,” announcing a December visit to Thessaloniki and expressing eagerness to engage more deeply in Souda and Alexandroupoli. She emphasized a commitment to bringing “something meaningful” to the Greek people who, she said, have welcomed her warmly.

She stressed that recent bilateral agreements are “real and results-driven,” aimed at supporting Greece’s energy sovereignty and strengthening cooperation. “So I’d say—buckle up. We’re taking off.”

Addressing questions about COSCO and the port of Piraeus, she noted that China invested during a period of Greek economic hardship but added that the U.S. is now exploring new opportunities for cooperation. “The Eastern Mediterranean is strategically vital, and Greece is one of America’s most important allies,” she said, hinting that new announcements are coming.

On the 3+1 format, she said it remains active and ongoing, with projects in energy, trade, and defense. She expressed enthusiasm for closer collaboration with Greek shipowners, including joint shipbuilding initiatives and training programs.

Guilfoyle emphasized the importance of personal relationships in the shipping world—citing even a recent attack on a friend’s vessel—and said effective cooperation depends on strong individual connections.

Regarding defense, she called U.S.–Greece cooperation “an honor,” especially joint training with the U.S. National Guard. She also previewed upcoming high-level American visits: “Senator Rubio will be here soon, and more officials will follow. Our relationship will be on full display. The sky’s the limit.” She added: “We would very much like President Trump to visit Greece.”

Ending on a lighter note, she praised Greek cuisine, joked that the embassy chef made tacos on Tuesday, and said she is learning Greek—though at a recent basketball game, the first words she heard were “some very bad ones,” courtesy of the fans. She added she knows “kalimera” and “kalispera” and hopes to immerse herself more deeply in Greek culture.