US calls on Greece and Turkey to work together to maintain peace in region

·

The US called on Greece and Turkey this week “to work together to maintain peace” in the region after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated this week he would not have any further discussions with Greek President Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

With tensions high between the two countries, US State Department spokesman Ned Price called on Greece and Turkey “to resolve differences diplomatically,” urging the fellow NATO allies to “avoid rhetoric that could further raise tensions.”

“We know that Greece is an indispensable partner, and a key NATO ally to the United States. Similarly, Turkey is an important partner of the United States and important NATO ally,” Price said.

US State Department spokesperson, Ned price.

“We want to see our partners work together to maintain peace and security in the region.”

Last week, Mitsotakis addressed a joint session of Congress during an official visit to the US and urged them not to sell F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.

In response to this, Erdogan said that the US would not likely consult with the Greek President regarding the F-16’s.

READ MORE: Greek American, George Tsunis, confirmed as new US Ambassador to Greece

This statement comes as the new US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis meets with Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias in Athens.

US Ambassador George Tsunis addressed his first briefing since taking up his new role this week and said that the strong and historic relationship that the US has with Greece is due to the trust they have to act in reliable ways.

The ambassador’s comments related to Greece’s role as an energy hub and a factor of stability in the region.

Tsunis said that the US planned to invest in the electricity grid to strengthen the interconnection between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt. He said the system could send electricity to the Balkans and as far as Moldova and Ukraine, while Greece’s economy would also gain from the passage fees.

“Greece’s greatest advantage is its cultural heritage, the US ambassador said, especially its very highly skilled pool of workers,” said the US Ambassador.

“The solid US-Greece relationship in geopolitical terms allows Greece to mature in other sectors, especially in economic, business and investment bilateral relations.”

Source: AA, Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.

Trust-building steps taken in Cyprus, but peace talks still elusive

Cyprus' rival leaders, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, made some progress on Wednesday.

Greece to invest 25 billion euros in major defence revamp

Greece is set to invest 25 billion euros in a comprehensive defence overhaul, marking the "most drastic" transformation in its modern history.

Trump targets Australia’s beef trade in new tariff announcement

Experts are warning of rising prices for American consumers as US President Donald Trump announces sweeping reciprocal tariffs.

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

You May Also Like

Tempi train driver’s family sends legal notice revealing concerning medical records

The family of the train driver who died in the Tempi train crash has sent a legal notice to parliament regarding his medical records.

Turkey slams Mediterranean undersea cable deal between Greece, Cyprus and Israel

Turkey has formally protested against a new deal which plans to build an undersea electricity cable connecting Cyprus, Greece and Israel.

North Macedonia’s President removes constitutional name from website

The President of North Macedonia has removed any references to the country's constitutional name from the front-page of its official website, replacing it with...