The meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House today, Monday, at noon U.S. time, as, according to government sources, at a critical geopolitical juncture, partners and allies recognize Greece as a reliable and consistent partner, a stabilizing force in the region at a time of instability and uncertainty—a Greece that is strong, resolute, and steadfast in its positions. Indeed, Greece’s role as a stabilizing force has been further cemented by the recent passage of the amendment to the MDCA (Greece-U.S. Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement). The same sources point out that the Greek-American defense agreement demonstrates the long-term nature of the U.S. commitment to invest geopolitically in our country, a point that the prime minister will emphasize in all his meetings—both formal and informal—that he will hold tomorrow and the day after tomorrow in Washington.
Government officials are describing the visit as one of substance but also of broader symbolic significance for the historic ties between Greece and the U.S., on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, a milestone that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, could not be commemorated in 2021 by either the White House or Congress.
It should also be noted that this is Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s second visit to the White House, as he had met with Donald Trump at the White House in January 2020. In fact, the meeting at the White House with Joe Biden was scheduled to take place earlier, but the pandemic changed those plans, according to close associates of the prime minister.
The agenda for the Mitsotakis–Biden meeting
Today’s meeting between the two leaders is expected to cover a wide range of bilateral and other issues. Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Greece and the U.S., including cooperation under the 3+1 format, issues of bilateral interest will be discussed, the Russian invasion of Ukraine —a critical issue for the West on which the government has emphasized that it took a clear and unambiguous stance from the very beginning by providing humanitarian and defense support and demonstrating in practice itsto partners under threat, while also applying international law in practice through the European and allied response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, international and regional issues are expected to be discussed.
Government sources confirm that the issue of Turkish provocations will also be raised. After all, Kyriakos Mitsotakis has already raised the issue of Turkish overflights of Greek territory as a matter that undermines and jeopardizes NATO’s cohesion at a time when unity is needed.
The energy issue will also be on the agenda, as Greece has the potential to become a hub for the transport of natural gas and clean energy from the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean to the Balkans and Southeast Europe, and thus actively contribute to Europe’s reduction of dependence on Russian fossil fuels, as well as to the diversification of energy routes and Europe’s energy security. In this context, moreover, the floating offshore terminal in Alexandroupoli enhances the region’s importance not only militarily, but also in terms of energy and trade. As reported, U.S. investments in Greece—such as those by Pfizer and Microsoft—will also feature prominently in the Prime Minister’s meetings in the U.S. capital.
Following the meeting between the Greek prime minister and the U.S. president, the Bidens will host a reception at the White House in honor of the Mitsotakis couple, marking the 200th anniversary of the Revolution. Government sources note that the reception—which is unusual and, in any case, the first of its kind under the Biden administration—is indicative of the level, as well as the depth and breadth of the relations, to which the Greek diaspora has contributed greatly, and with whom the U.S. President has traditionally maintained good relations.
Prior to the meeting at the White House, Mr. Mitsotakis will hold a discussion with journalist David Ignatius at Georgetown University this morning (U.S. time).
Mitsotakis's speech to Congress was a historic moment
On the second day of Mitsotakis’s visit to Washington, tomorrow, Tuesday, the most significant «highlight» will be none other than the Greek prime minister’s address to Congress. Government sources are calling it a historic moment and an extraordinary honor for both him and the country, which, on the one hand, is reserved for only a few foreign leaders and, on the other, underscores the excellent state of bilateral relations. The same sources note that the prime minister will have the opportunity to address both the American public and the Greek diaspora with a speech that will carry national, geopolitical, and historical perspective on the relations between the two countries and Greece’s place in the world. Furthermore, in Congress, the prime minister will also meet with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as with the chairs of key committees, such as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the corresponding committee in the House of Representatives. In fact, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to meet with individuals who have supported and continue to support issues of Greek interest in the U.S. Congress. As relevant government sources point out, the proposal for interparliamentary and defense cooperation between Greeceand the U.S.—which became U.S. law—was a proposal that was implemented thanks to the contribution of the Greek diaspora, as well as individuals who support Greek positions.
Finally, Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to the U.S. also presents a prime opportunity to honor the Greek diaspora as a bridge between the two countries. In this context, and as his visit to Washington draws to a close, the prime minister is expected to attend a dinner organized in his honor by 11 Greek-American organizations, which he will also honor.
