“This is the first time that a US Secretary of State has visited Greece twice in such a short time,” said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from Souda.
“We have a very strong military relationship, we see you as a pillar of stability. USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will be permanently moored at the Souda port. It is a perfect choice and a very important development because Russia continues to destabilize the region as it did in Libya,” added Mike Pompeo.
“We believe in energy cooperation and support all efforts for the prosperity of the region,” he said, “You are a truly shining light in the region and great partner and friend of the USA.”
“I corroborate the statement made by Mr. Pompeo that relations between our two countries have never been as close and productive as they are today. They are relations that spread over all levels. I am also glad that my friend the US State Secretary will be hosted in my place in Chania. On the island of Crete beats not just the heart of Greece but also the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean. There also beats the strong pulse of Greek-US cooperation. “It is no accident that we are now speaking from the 115 Battle Wing of our Air Force,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in his statements after the meeting they had with the US Secretary of State at the 115th Fighter Wing in Souda.
“The upgraded agreement for mutual defence cooperation between Greece and the USA extends its action to the area of our joint defence industry, with its spearhead being the modernisation of 84 F-16s but also with joint programmes and very important joint investments in Greek shipyards,” the prime minister noted, “However, it is expanding to other fields and areas.” “As in Alexandroupolis, which is emerging as a hub for the transfer of US natural gas to eastern and central Europe. A floating liquefied natural gas is being built there and at the same time the privatization of the port is underway. The same applies to the port of Kavala.”
