WASHINGTON (CHATNEWSTV) — The United States on Tuesday extended its congratulations to Greece on its Independence Day, reaffirming the strong diplomatic, military, and cultural ties between the two nations.
“On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Greece as you celebrate your Independence Day,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
Rubio highlighted the deep-rooted democratic and intellectual heritage shared by the two countries, emphasizing that their cooperation extends across economic, military, and security spheres.
“We welcome Greece’s commitment to defense spending to modernize its armed forces, which strengthens our collective defense and deters threats to our shared security,” he said.
The U.S. and Greece have bolstered military cooperation in recent years, particularly through the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement and joint efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean. American officials have also praised Greece’s role in regional stability, including its support for NATO operations and defense modernization efforts.
Beyond defense, the relationship is also defined by cultural and familial bonds, including the influence of the Greek-American diaspora.
“The foundation of our close ties is the strong cultural and familial bonds between our two peoples, including the vibrant Hellenic diaspora community,” Rubio noted.
Rubio underscored Greece’s role in international diplomacy, particularly during its term on the United Nations Security Council. He noted that the two nations are working together to address pressing global issues, including migration challenges and regional security concerns.
“The United States is proud to partner with Greece during its term as a member of the UN Security Council where we are working together to address global challenges,” he said. “We also are committed to addressing the crisis of illegal migration and fostering a stable and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean.”
As Greece marks its independence, the U.S. reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“As you celebrate this anniversary, we honor the relationships between our people and look forward to continuing to deepen our partnership,” Rubio said. “I wish the people of Greece a peaceful and joyous celebration.”
Greece commemorates its independence each year on March 25, marking the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule that led to the establishment of the modern Greek state.