Speaking at the 11th Delphi Economic Forum, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle addressed the full spectrum of Greece–U.S. relations, highlighting the deepening ties between the two countries as they have developed over the past year.

Long-term cooperation

The Ambassador focused especially on the swift progress in bilateral energy relations. She highlighted the ministerial meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (PTEC) held last November, which included the largest official U.S. delegation ever to visit Greece, noting the presence of U.S. Secretaries Doug Burgum and Chris Wright, as well as Special Envoy for Energy Josh Bowles.

As Guilfoyle noted, at PTEC they witnessed the signing of the first long-term framework agreement linking American liquefied natural gas suppliers with the region for decades to come.

Regional energy supplier

“I also welcome two significant energy milestones,” the Ambassador continued, referring to the cooperation between ExxonMobil and Helleniq Energy for Greece’s first offshore drilling in 40 years. She also recalled the signing ceremony between the consortium and Sena Drilling for a drilling rig set to begin operations in the Ionian Sea early next year.

Additionally, last February, contracts were signed with Chevron for four offshore exploration blocks, including two near Crete. As Guilfoyle pointed out, the future in which Greece becomes a regional energy provider is closer than many might think.

At the same time, she noted that U.S.–Greece cooperation extends beyond energy, citing initiatives on supply chain security, critical minerals, and new technological frontiers such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

She also mentioned accompanying Greece’s Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, at the official announcement that Greece will partner with the U.S. state of Florida through the National Guard State Partnership Program. This program has built lasting and reliable relationships between U.S. states and partner countries for more than three decades, opening new avenues for cooperation in areas such as joint military training and readiness, maritime security, cyber defense, infrastructure protection, and disaster preparedness.

A destination for students

“When Americans and Greeks stand together, united by our shared values and common purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” the Ambassador stated.

She described the “incredibly dynamic Greek diaspora community in the United States” as a cornerstone of this relationship, along with the spiritual guidance and example of the Greek Orthodox Church.

“Our economies and societies are enriched by the strong people-to-people ties that connect us,” she added in a more personal tone, noting that Greece is now the eighth-largest destination worldwide for American students studying abroad.

These students join more than 150,000 Americans living in Greece, as well as the millions of Greeks and Americans who visit each other’s countries every year, supporting local communities and businesses and contributing significantly to both economies.

She concluded by calling for continued collaboration to strengthen ties, grow economies, and enhance regional security.