In The Context Of The OFFICIAL DINNER – AWARD CEREMONY: “2023 HELLENIC CAPITAL LINK LEADERSHIP AWARD”
On Monday, December, 11, 2023, the successful 25th Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum «Accelerating Investments for Sustainable Growth», concluded with a very well attended official dinner honoring the strong political and financial bonds between Greece and the United States.
Mr. Nicolas Bornozis, opened the ceremony making brief introductory remarks, welcoming and thanking all those who participated in the Forum, as well H.E. Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of Greece to the United States, and Mr. Joshua Huck, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southern Europe and the Caucasus – U.S. Department of State, who gave the Dinner’s Keynote Remarks.
Mr. Joshua Huck, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern Europe and the Caucuses, U.S. Department of State, hailed the bilateral relationship between the United States and Greece, which is at an all-time high. Secretary Blinken met with Foreign Minister Gerapetritis at the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting and spoke with Prime Minister Mitsotakis in early November. DAS Huck emphasized that the U.S. government is making impactful investments in Greece via the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)’s $125 million investment in ONEX’s efforts to rehabilitate and revitalize the Elefsina Shipyard. This investment will expand the Greek ship repair and maintenance sector at a time of high demand, support LNG vessels and U.S. LNG exports to Greece, and support Greece’s diversification of energy sources away from Russia. USAID also recently signed an MOU with Greece to integrate electricity markets across the Western Balkans, improving regional energy security and cooperation.
Greece is an indispensable partner and plays a critical role defending NATO’s southeastern flank. Our shared democratic values are now more important than ever. DAS Huck highlighted the growing numbers of U.S. and Greek students studying abroad in both directions. Exchanges like these bolster our mutual understanding and benefit the Greek and U.S economies. When U.S. businesses invest in Greece, they bring tangible benefits to communities around the country by providing jobs and skills training, especially in STEM fields.
DAS Huck noted that ultimately, the partnership between the United States and Greece is based on our shared values and on the connection between our peoples. Hellenic organizations are the essential link between both countries and are important conduits for cooperation across sectors, political parties, generations, oceans, and borders. These efforts ensure that the U.S.-Greece relationship is stronger than ever and that future generations will also benefit from our cooperation.
SOURCE; CAPITAL LINK FORUM
