U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Josh Huck stressed that relations between Greece and the U.S. were at the best level ever during a press briefing in Washington DC, Wednesday, ahead of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue session scheduled to take place this Friday at the State Department.
The U.S. diplomat added these close ties between the two countries were a result of ongoing efforts by both governments.
As reported by Greek public broadcaster ERT, referring to the constructive role Greece played in the wider region and the initiative it had undertaken, the U.S. official underlined that Greece was not only a “stable partner”, but a country that promoted stability in the region.”
On the issue of the long delay of the procurement of the 5th generation F-35 fighter jets to Athens, and the strategic connection the U.S. had placed on the matter with F-16 sales to Turkey, he noted that although the U.S would have liked things to have progressed more rapidly, these were very complex agreements and the U.S was satisfied with progress so far.
Huck dubbed the F-35 deal with Greece a positive development for the country and its capabilities, as well as the Greek-U.S. defensive and NATO partnerships as it would enhance the alliance’s capacity.
Asked about whether the U.S was concerned Turkey might use the upgraded F-16 jets against Greece, the official, diplomatically, praised the leading role of both the Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Erdogan for striving to overcome long-standing bilateral disputes, adding that the U.S completely backed the recent visible rapprochement between the two countries.
Meanwhile, earlier a U.S State Department official commented on whether Turkey would receive the F-35 jets if Ankara decided to scrap a deal with Russia for the supply of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, saying the U.S had called on Turkey to abandon the Russian system as it posed a risk to NATO and was incompatible with the military of the alliance.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
INSETE Report: Greece a Hotspot for European Vacationers
Greece among top five countries on travelers' itineraries from Germany, France and the UK
Study: Cost of Basic Food Basket in Greece and Other Countries
The findings are based on IELKA's regular report, which includes a price comparison study using data from price comparison platforms in each country and direct price checks from supermarket chains.
DBRS: Greece’s Economic Reforms Boost Growth Prospects, But Investment Gap Remains
However, despite these advancements, Greece still faces a substantial investment gap compared to its eurozone peers.
Greeks Took Out 65% Loans Online in 2023
Approximately 850-euro-million worth of loans in 2023 were issued via e-banking and mobile banking
Greece-Egypt “GREGY” Interconnector Moving Ahead as Planned
The GREGY project aims to bring an underwater cable from Egypt to Greece to transport electricity generated in Egypt, through renewable sources, to Europe
Greece: AADE Completes Major Overhaul of Attica Tax Services
Taxpayers in Attica will be served digitally through the "My Requests" application on the myAADE digital portal (myaade.gov.gr) or via the myAADEapp.
Cocktail of Dust and Heat Brings Stifling Sunday Weather
Meteorologists expect the conditions to persist until at least Wednesday
Greek Hotels Vindicated by Commission’s Ruling on Booking.com
The Commission has ruled that Booking is a "gatekeeper" and must comply with the Digital Marketing Act, addressing complaints by the European Hotel Industry and Hellenic Chamber of Hotels
Which Islands Will Have Italians Flocking to Greece this Summer?
Well-known Italian travel magazine details reasons why Skopelos, Naxos and Astypalaia are the go-to summer destinations for Italians
Antentokounmpo 5th Highest Paid Athlete in World
The basketball player rakes in 111 million dollars per year, between his salary at the Bucks and endorsements from big brands like Amazon, Nike and Pepsi