ATHENS – The US State Department has expressed Washington’s continued support for Greece, and said that it deeply values the country’s contribution as a pillar of stability in the region.

“As you know, the U.S. relationship with Greece has never been better. The Department will continue to support our NATO ally Greece in this difficult time, as the United States stood with Greece during its last decade of economic hardship,” said Maria Olson, director of the Office of Southern European Affairs at the US State Department.

“We deeply value Greece’s contributions as a pillar of stability in the region. Greece’s support for the NATO accession of North Macedonia, our newest ally, exemplifies its constructive leadership role. The Department recognises the Eastern Mediterranean as an important strategic region, and we are committed to remain engaged and focused on ensuring the region is peaceful and prosperous for the benefit of the United States, our Allies, and our partners,” she said.

“The United States and Greece share a conviction that it is crucial for our countries individually, for the NATO Alliance, and for the Eastern Mediterranean region that Turkey remain rooted in Western institutions. The United States welcomes Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ outreach to Turkey, and the United States will continue to encourage actions that lower tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and call on all countries in the region to refrain from provocative activities,” Olson added.