Print Friendly and PDF

Sec. Pompeo’s Athens Visit Commended, Presents Opportunity to Discuss Turkey’s Threat to Peace

NO. 52

WASHINGTON, DC — American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who will visit Athens this week, to commend him for his personal engagement in the ongoing U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue and to reiterate Turkey’s threats to Greece and the region are not in the best interests of the United States.

“Your visit underscores the importance of the U.S.-Greece strategic partnership and Greece’s geostrategic value,” Larigakis wrote. “AHI looks forward to seeing positive results from the next round of strategic dialogue and contributing to the success of these efforts.”

Larigakis cited the various ways Greece continues to be of vital importance for the projection of U.S. strategic interests by its geographic location and its strong, unwavering support for NATO.  He also applauded the announcement that a draft of a modernized Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement has been agreed to by the United States and Greece.

Secretary Pompeo’s visit to Athens also provides the opportunity to discuss Turkey’s threats in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean as not in the best interests of the United States, President Larigakis asserts in the letter.

“In addition to the initiatives that advance the U.S.-Greece strategic partnership, AHI requests these issues that demonstrate the instability which Turkey causes be placed on your agenda in Athens to address U.S. interests in the region,” Larigakis wrote.

Read: AHI’s letter to Secretary Pompeo