US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle has described relations between Greece and the United States as “bolder and stronger than ever,” highlighting growing opportunities for investment, defence, energy and strategic cooperation.
Speaking to the Athens Macedonian News Agency following her recent visit to Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, Guilfoyle described Greece as an “extremely stable and reliable ally” and said Washington has a strong interest in directing both government and private investment towards the country.
She also praised the potential of Northern Greece, comparing the region’s current development to the height of Silicon Valley.
Greece emerging as a regional energy leader
Energy remains a central element of the US strategy towards Greece and the wider region.
Guilfoyle said Greece is increasingly positioned to play a leading role in shaping the region’s energy future, pointing specifically to developments surrounding the Vertical Corridor and greater cooperation with Serbia and North Macedonia.
She also highlighted energy exploration involving Chevron, HELLENiQ Energy and ExxonMobil, including renewed oil exploration off Crete after four decades.
According to the ambassador, Greece is gradually evolving from an energy consumer into an important regional energy provider.
Northern Greece, she said, is at the heart of this transformation.
Guilfoyle singled out Alexandroupolis for its strategically important infrastructure and potential for further development. Investments in the region, she argued, strengthen not only the Greek economy but also Europe’s wider energy resilience.
She pointed to the war in Ukraine as an example of how energy can be used as a geopolitical weapon.
“Energy terrorism” and attacks on energy infrastructure, she said, have demonstrated the importance of ensuring reliable alternative energy supplies.
Greece and the United States have worked to help ensure Ukraine has access to liquefied natural gas, she added, helping Kyiv maintain energy security and strengthen its position during the war.
Greek ports have growing strategic importance
Guilfoyle also stressed the strategic importance of Greece’s ports and the need to reduce Chinese influence in critical infrastructure.
She highlighted the potential for increased activity through Alexandroupolis, Elefsina and Revithoussa, arguing that greater use of these facilities could serve both Greek and broader regional strategic interests.
The ambassador said Greece’s geographic position gives it a unique role in energy, trade and security.
‘We do not leave our allies exposed’
Asked about Greek Turkish relations and the role of Washington, Guilfoyle stressed the importance of maintaining open communication between NATO allies.
She said the United States wants its allies to work together, communicate and keep diplomatic channels open.
Guilfoyle also expressed confidence in Washington’s commitment to Greece, saying Athens should feel “absolute confidence and security” about its relationship with the United States.
She pointed to upcoming high level American visits to Greece as evidence of the importance Washington attaches to the bilateral relationship.
Defence cooperation remains a priority
Defence cooperation is another major pillar of the Greece US relationship.
Guilfoyle pointed to Greece’s acquisition of F 35 fighter jets and additional ammunition for its F 16 fleet, while revealing that an integrated defence package is also being developed.
She praised Greece for its commitment to defence spending, noting that Athens has pledged to allocate 5% of GDP to military and defence capabilities.
The ambassador also described the existing military interoperability between Greece and the United States as impressive and highlighted the strategic importance of Souda Bay.
She said the importance of Greek infrastructure became particularly clear during major and complex military operations, including Midnight Hammer and Epic Fury.
Guilfoyle also praised Greece’s role in Middle East operations and evacuations, saying large scale operations require reliable partners, particularly in such a strategically sensitive part of the world.
Rubio’s Greece visit will be ‘substantive’
Guilfoyle said the expected visit to Greece by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the coming weeks should not be viewed as merely symbolic.
She stressed that Rubio is choosing to visit Greece despite a demanding schedule because he wants to hold substantive discussions and personally thank Greek officials and the Greek people for their cooperation with the United States.
“This is not simply symbolic. It is substantive,” she said, describing the bilateral relationship as one based on practical cooperation.
Guilfoyle also referred to recent meetings between US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker and senior Greek officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.
She also announced another visit by US Under Secretary Jacob Helberg in the coming month, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
Northern Greece ‘reminds me of Silicon Valley’
Guilfoyle was particularly enthusiastic about Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, comparing the region’s growth potential with Silicon Valley.
“I would say that the region of Northern Greece reminds me, in a way, of the height of Silicon Valley,” she said.
She pointed to growing investment, infrastructure and technology projects as evidence of the region’s potential.
Among the examples she cited were Deloitte’s facilities and Public Power Corporation infrastructure connected with data centres.
According to Guilfoyle, infrastructure is one of Northern Greece’s greatest advantages.
She described Thessaloniki as a location particularly well suited to attracting new capital, developing infrastructure and establishing new businesses.
At the same time, she stressed the importance of reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and maintaining an open business environment capable of attracting international investment.
Guilfoyle praises Monastery of Ormylia visit
The ambassador also spoke warmly about her recent visit to the Holy Convent of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Ormylia, Halkidiki, and its medical centre.
She described the experience as one of the most powerful and moving of her life.
Guilfoyle, who said she was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and is a Roman Catholic, spoke about the importance of faith and her appreciation for the warm welcome she has received from the Greek Orthodox Church.
She praised the monastery’s work supporting women and children, particularly its efforts in breast cancer prevention and care.
Guilfoyle said the dedication of the nuns and their commitment to caring for patients had deeply impressed her.
Thessaloniki holds a special place for the US ambassador
The ambassador also praised the work of the new US Consul General in Thessaloniki, Matt Hagengruber, saying he had quickly made an impact.
She added that Thessaloniki is home to some of the most capable diplomats and US officials in the American diplomatic service.
For Guilfoyle, the city has also developed a special place in her heart as the US and Greece continue to deepen their strategic partnership.
The ambassador’s comments underline Washington’s growing focus on Greece as a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly in energy, defence, infrastructure, technology and regional security.
