In a letter to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitaotaksi, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed the full support of the Untied State for Greece and indirectly urged Turkey to refrain from provocative actions and statements.
Pompeo said that the US is closely following developments in the region and stands firm in its belief that those with interests in the Eastern Mediterranean should seek solutions through peaceful means, consistent with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, and refrain from any action or declaration that could be provocative.
“We do not need an escalation of tensions in the region but rather candid dialogue that will lead to outcomes that respect international law,” Pompeo added.
“We consider Athens a key ally and a crucial player in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Balkans,” Pompeo said in his letter that was read in the Parliament by foreign Minister Nikos Dednias on Tuesday.
“The US will remain committed to supporting Greece’s prosperity, security and democracy,” Pompeo added.
He stressed that the signing of the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) “is a turning point in an enhanced security partnership between Greece and the United States,” adding that the two sides are “forging a much closer strategic relation through the MDCA”.
He underlined the excellent relations between Greece and USA, noting that US president Donald Trump had described them as “extraordinary” during the Greek PM’s recent visit to Washington.
Mitsotakis’ visit to the US “was a clear reaffirmation of the close ties and cooperation between our two countries,” the letter said further while it also reaffirmed Greece’s emergence – after almost a decade of crisis – as “a success story of economic recovery.”
