WASHINGTON, DC – Greek-American Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) on February 16 released the following statements regarding their recent visit to the U.S Naval Support Activity (NSA) facility and the NATO Marathi Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, as part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation overseas.

As part of their visit to Souda Bay, the Representatives met with American servicemembers, General Konstantinos Floros, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, Greek Minister of Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and U.S. Ambassador to Greece George James Tsunis.

Topics discussed at the meeting include efforts made in support of Ukraine and Greece’s requests for U.S. Foreign Military Financing, the significant role of Greece’s Port of Alexandroupolis in transferring military and humanitarian aid in the region, and Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric and actions toward Greece.

“As the daughter of a Greek immigrant, it was a tremendous honor to travel to my father’s home island of Crete to meet with officials regarding Greece’s role in supporting Ukraine and defending Europe,” Malliotakis said. “Whether it be providing military equipment, economic support, alternative energy sources, or offering humanitarian aid, Greece is becoming a major partner in helping us work to sustain peace and stability throughout Europe and Africa.”

“With Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine continuing to threaten food and energy security around the globe, Greece is once again proving itself to be a consistent and steadfast ally of the United States,” said Bilirakis. “We must continue to build upon the recent achievements of this strategic partnership as we work to advance the cause of stability and peace within the region and pursue mutually beneficial economic opportunities.”

Malliotakis, who previously served on the House Committee of Foreign Affairs, is Vice Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Hellenic Caucus for the 118th Congress. She recently received the Kyrenia Award for her dedication and commitment to the cause of the Cypriot people for freedom and justice.