Kimberly Guilfoyle: Trump “upgrades” Greece to a frontline strategic partner (video)

In new geopolitical realities that are reshaping the balance in Eastern Mediterranean and more broadly in Europe, Greek-American cooperation is taking on an enhanced strategic depth, with Kimberly Guilfoyle highlighting from the Delphi Economic Forum the pivotal role of Greece in US planning. Her position comes to confirm that President Donald Trump now sees Athens as a critical pillar of stability and energy security in a region of high geopolitical tension, where energy, defense and strategic alliances are redefining international balances. The focus is on close US-Greece cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as liquefied natural gas, defence infrastructure and new technologies, which reinforces the country’s role as a transit and strategic hub. At the same time, the references to the relationship of trust between the two sides, as well as to the long-standing connection with US policy planning, underline a period of intense diplomatic mobility and investment interest that substantially upgrades Greece’s position in the international system.

The cooperation between Greece and the US is becoming stronger every day, US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle said in a speech at the 11th Delphi Economic Forum 2026 taking place at Delphi, from today, April 22 to Saturday, April 25.

Historical bond

The American ambassador said she is grateful that her dear friend of more than 20 years, US President Donald Trump has given her the opportunity to serve as US Ambassador to Athens.

“Our bond is historic. Our founders were deeply inspired by the philosophy, civic virtue and political thought of ancient Greece. Without Greece, there would be no United States of America, as it was here that the ideals that gave life to our nation first took root,” he said.

“Our national character has been shaped by the indelible influence of our Greek heritage in arts and architecture, language and literature, academia and military tradition,” he noted.

President Trump considers Greece a key strategic partner

He noted that 2026 is a special year for the United States as it celebrates the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. “To mark this pivotal moment in America’s history here in Greece, the very birthplace of democracy, is a great responsibility,” he said. “President Trump considers Greece a key strategic partner in a region of critical importance. He often speaks of the shared values between our two great countries and of our enduring ties.”

“But it’s not just words, it’s actions,” he said, recalling that cooperation between the United States and Greece has been elevated to historic highs.

“The relationship between the United States and Greece is strong and is expected to bring significant benefits to both our countries. US exports provide Greece with the energy and advanced technology needed to drive an innovative economy, while Greek shipowners and shipbuilders are helping to revitalize the US maritime sector through strategic partnerships,” he said.

She noted that she looks forward to the conclusion of many more agreements in the coming months.

Mrs. Guilfoyle participated last fall, along with the Greek Prime Minister and the Ukrainian President, in the historic signing of an agreement that sent U.S. energy through the vertical corridor to Ukraine. It also saw the signing of the first long-term agreement linking U.S. LNG suppliers to the region for decades to come.

Broader cooperation

A cooperation agreement was also signed between Exxon Mobil and Hellenic Energean for the first offshore drilling in Greece in 40 years.

“A future where Greece is an energy supplier for the region is closer than you think,” he said, adding, however, that the partnership between the US and Greece is not limited to the energy sector. The two countries are committed to working together to secure critical mineral supply chains, while exploring new technological horizons such as artificial intelligence and information technology.

This month it was also announced that Greece will work with the state of Florida through the US National Guard’s State Partnership Program, one of the most successful and important security cooperation initiatives in the US.

“This is a partnership that involves the entire society and is long-term in nature. This coupling opens up exciting avenues of cooperation in critical areas such as joint military training and readiness, maritime security, cyber defense, infrastructure protection and disaster preparedness,” he said.

“When Americans and Greeks stand side by side, united by common values and common purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” he noted, stressing that the foundation of this relationship is the incredibly dynamic community of the Greek diaspora in the United States, as well as the spiritual guidance and example of the Greek Orthodox Church.

“Our economies and societies are enriched by the incredible bonds between our peoples that unite us, bonds that I am working hard to strengthen,” he noted. “I am inspired by what we have achieved so far, but the world is not shaped by what we say today, but by what we choose to do tomorrow. Let us all continue to work together to strengthen our ties, grow our economies and bring our peoples closer together.”