US ambassador highlights F-35s, energy cooperation in Greece

U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle said U.S.-Greek cooperation is deeply rooted in history, highlighting the strategic importance of bilateral ties in energy, defence and investment during a reception marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence Day at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

Speaking before political and business leaders, Guilfoyle pointed to Greece's planned acquisition of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, saying the move would strengthen the country's deterrence capabilities within NATO, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

As she said, America is a nation of innovators, a nation of people who dream boldly, work tirelessly and turn hope into reality.

Recalling the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Guilfoyle said a group of visionaries, inspired by ideas born in Athens, had dared to chart a new course for themselves and future generations.

"They fought for a future grounded in self-government, liberty and the unalienable rights of the individual. Their success is our inheritance."

More than two centuries later, she added, the United States continued to be sustained by citizens who understand that "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are not merely words on paper but fundamental rights that each generation must defend.

Guilfoyle described her appointment by President Donald Trump as U.S. ambassador to Greece and the first woman to hold the post as the greatest honour of her life.

"Greece has always been part of America's story," she said, adding that the two countries were working together to build a safer, stronger and more prosperous future. "That future, I am proud to say, will be powered by U.S. energy."

She cited agreements signed at last year's P-TEC ministerial meeting in Athens, as well as the expanding cooperation of ExxonMobil with Hellenic Energy and Energean in the Ionian Sea, alongside offshore exploration agreements involving Chevron and Hellenic Energy.

According to Guilfoyle, these projects demonstrate what U.S. leadership and Greek ambition can achieve together, paving the way for Greece's first offshore exploratory drilling campaign in more than four decades.

She also highlighted the revival of the Elefsis Shipyards through U.S.-backed financing, saying the investment had created high-quality jobs and strengthened critical maritime capabilities.

"President Trump has made American maritime and energy dominance cornerstones of our foreign policy, and Greece is an exceptionally valuable partner in that vision," she said.

Turning to defence cooperation, Guilfoyle described Souda Bay as a key site of U.S.-Greek military collaboration and said Alexandroupolis had emerged as a strategic gateway and vital NATO logistics hub.

"Together, the United States and Greece are expanding defence cooperation, strengthening our industrial bases and proving once again that peace can only be preserved through strength," she said.

She praised Greece for increasing defence spending and undertaking what she described as the most significant modernisation of its armed forces in decades.

"The United States is proud to work with Greece to ensure that its armed forces have access to the finest defence systems America has to offer," Guilfoyle said. "These are not simply procurement decisions; they represent a transformation that will define a generation."

Referring to the F-35 programme, she said Greece would soon join a select group of allies operating the world's most advanced multirole fighter aircraft.

"When Greece flies the F-35, it will fly the same aircraft as the United States Air Force," she said, adding that this would enhance interoperability and eliminate capability gaps during joint operations with U.S. and NATO forces.

Guilfoyle also stressed the importance of people-to-people ties, citing the more than 1.5 million Americans who visit Greece annually, educational exchanges between the two countries and the large Greek-American community in the United States.

"The U.S.-Greek partnership is rooted in our shared values of liberty, faith and democracy," she said. "It is built on a shared responsibility to create a future worthy of the sacrifices, dreams and ideals that brought our nations to this point."
"Under President Trump, America is back," Guilfoyle added. "We have returned to our roots as innovators, builders and pioneers. And we are doing so alongside friends like Greece - trusted partners who share our values, strengthen our security and stand with us in shaping a freer, stronger and more prosperous future."

As the United States celebrates Independence Day this year, she said, Americans are reflecting on "250 years of extraordinary history."

Photo Instagram/kimberlyguilfoyle