US Secretary of State Pompeo: Greece is a pillar of stability in the region

«Greece is a pillar of stability in the region» said US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Tuesday, during joint statements with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Souda, while expressing his support for Greece and the Greek government.

Pompeo said it was the first time that a US Secretary of State has visited Greece twice in such a short space of time. He made a special reference to the very strong military relationship between Greece and the United States and added that Greece is a pillar of stability and that the US side is very proud to support the leadership of the Greek government and the military leadership.

Pompeo also referred to his discussion with Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos, saying that they are working to make progress on the issues discussed a year ago regarding the defence cooperation agreement reached last year.

The US Secretary of State stressed that it was a strategic choice to permanently dock the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams helicopter ship at the base, because it is a strategic position and symbolises the strategic cooperation that exists and will continue to grow.

Regarding the energy sector, Pompeo said that «we believe in cooperation in the energy sector, and we support all these initiatives for prosperity in the region».

Referring to Greek-Turkish affairs, he said that the US supports discussion between NATO members, «as between Turkey and Greece», adding that he has spoken with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the progress being made in NATO and expressing the hope that these talks can continue in a serious way.

Pompeo closed his remarks by referring to the 200th anniversary since the Greek revolution that led to the foundation of the modern Greek state and thanked the prime minister once again for his hospitality.