ATHENS – As was revealed in the Greek language National Herald, the majority of respondents to reporters’ questions described the visit to Athens of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as important. They also stressed, however, the need for tangible proof of what was announced in a very friendly atmosphere.

During his visit to the country, the American official held meetings with the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as with other officials, in the context of which the good state of Greek-American relations was confirmed. During meetings pertaining to the 4th Strategic Dialogue, the deepening of cooperation between the two countries was emphasized.

Tasos Constantis, speaking to the National Herald, said that, “the visit is indicative of the climate of the last two years, the 4th Strategic Dialogue, the imminent sale of the F-35 – obviously there is close cooperation.”

“Blinken’s visit to Greece and Turkey was quite well thought out,” said Harris, who preferred to remain anonymous due to her professional capacity. The 28-year-old woman noted that, “among other things, it was meant to reaffirm the role of the U.S. as a factor of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean at a time when the tension between the two countries (Greece and Turkey) has de-escalated,” she said.

The importance of good allied relations with the United States was stressed by those interviewed, with a part of the public, of course, maintaining its reservations.

“We must maintain balanced relations with all powers, without being subservient and taken for granted. Both with the major powers and with the countries in our neighbourhood,” said Tasos Sarantou, adding that, “concessions to the Americans, such as the Alexandroupolis base, must be accompanied by practical concessions to our country. The visit is neither positive nor negative, but unfortunately there are no expected positive results, neither for Greek-Turkish relations nor regarding the war in Ukraine.”

It is worth pointing out that there were not a few – mainly young people – who expressed their ignorance both about Blinken himself and his visit to the country, and they and were reluctant to take a position on the issue.