In a recent interview with CNN, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, Tasos Hadjivassiliou, asserted the strategic value of the relationship between Europe and the United States, emphasising its pivotal role in both trade and geopolitics. He remarked that Europe appreciates American recognition of this partnership’s significance, highlighting a collective interest in fostering deeper transatlantic ties. As Europe navigates a new geopolitical landscape, marked by increasing tensions and economic challenges, Hadjivassiliou articulated the importance of avoiding trade wars, welcoming a 90-day “breathing space” granted during EU-U.S. negotiations on trade. He noted that this pause presents an opportune moment to pursue mutually beneficial agreements aimed at sustaining strong transatlantic relationships.
Greece, under Hadjivassiliou’s guidance, is positioning itself to play a substantial role in the reconstruction of Ukraine, an initiative both economically and geopolitically critical. He emphasized that Greece’s businesses are not only prepared but eager to contribute to Ukraine’s rehabilitation, either independently or in collaboration with international partners. During a recent visit to Kyiv, Hadjivassiliou witnessed the extensive destruction necessitating urgent reconstruction efforts, notably in infrastructure such as power plants and hospitals. The Deputy Minister highlighted that many Greek firms with extensive international experience have expressed interest in participating in key projects vital for Ukraine’s recovery.
In line with this, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to military support for Ukraine and has engaged in discussions concerning the potential training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft. This initiative is part of a broader discourse on enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities, a sentiment echoed during Mitsotakis’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Athens, where both leaders signed a declaration to support Ukraine’s prospective NATO membership.
Greece’s aspiration to contribute significantly to Ukraine’s recovery encompasses various sectors, including energy infrastructure, construction, and agriculture. This multifaceted approach aligns with priorities set by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, who recently spoke at an international conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction. He articulated the necessity of transforming the Ukrainian economy to bolster long-term stability and security, an urgent goal considering the broader implications for European security following Russia’s military aggression.
Strengthening partnerships to facilitate these ambitions, Greece has been enhancing its military and energy cooperation with the United States, an arrangement that significantly frustrates Russian interests in the region. The U.S. has gained open-ended access to key Greek military bases, facilitating deeper strategic collaboration and establishing Greece as a regional hub for American corporate giants across various sectors. This shift not only provides Greece with substantial economic benefits but also situates it as a crucial player in the dynamics of regional energy security, particularly as the nation begins receiving U.S. liquefied natural gas.
Moreover, the ongoing U.S.-Greece strategic dialogue emphasises the urgency of collaborative efforts in energy diversification, especially in light of the pressing need to reduce reliance on Russian sources following the invasion of Ukraine. The operationalisation of projects such as the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is a testament to these efforts, aimed at enhancing regional energy security and resilience.
As Greece moves forward in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, its actions will likely resonate across Europe, reinforcing collective efforts toward recovery and stability while maintaining the essential transatlantic partnership that is vital for both geopolitical strategy and economic progress.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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