American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ahead of his planned visit to Greece next week, which includes a visit to the Souda Bay military complex located on Crete.
“Secretary Pompeo’s visit to Greece is timely and demonstrates the importance of the U.S.-Greece strategic partnership and Greece’s geostrategic value,” Larigakis said. “Greece has proven to be a ‘pillar of stability,’ a frontline state to combat terrorism, and a reliable NATO ally. Also, Secretary Pompeo’s visit to the Souda Bay military complex underscores its importance to the bilateral relationship, which is a position AHI has championed for many years.”
In addition to detailing Greece’s vital role in the projection of U.S. strategic interests, it contributions to defense and security cooperation, and its strong, unwavering support for NATO, Larigakis’s letter calls attention to Turkey’s threats to regional peace and stability as well as to energy security.
“Greece’s sovereignty in the Aegean Sea and respect for the Treaty of Lausanne, both of which are in the best interests of the United States, must be respected; and President Erdogan’s Blue Homeland doctrine must be rejected,” Larigakis writes.
