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Kimberly Guilfoyle: Energy and NATO high on the ambassadorial candidate's agenda

Wednesday, July 9


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Drawing on her personal journey, Greek cultural heritage, and the US-Greece strategic alliance, Ambassador-designate Kimberly Guilfoyle testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, underscoring her intention to promote a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership with Athens.

"To be nominated for Greece, the birthplace of democracy, is a profound honor," Guilfoyle said, thanking President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust.

Entire Committee Meeting

Responding to questions, U.S. Ambassador-designate to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, reiterated her commitment to advancing the goals of the Trump administration and deepening the strategic relationship with Athens at all levels.

Regarding the 3+1 cooperation (Israel, Greece, Cyprus, USA), Guilfoyle described it as a relationship of strategic partners that was strengthened during the Trump presidency and stated that she will work to ensure that this cooperation remains strong.

He stressed the importance of Greece as a stable ally in a geopolitically complex region with challenges such as migratory flows and instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that Greek partners supported the US during the recent events in Israel.

Regarding NATO, he underlined Greece's clear commitment to contributing to the Alliance, emphasizing the strategic role of American bases in the country.

She expressed her intention to visit both the bases and the facilities of Revythousa and Alexandroupolis, in order – as she said – to gain an even deeper understanding of their role.

He also referred to the port of Piraeus and the need to strengthen security in this area.

When asked about the support of American businesses in the energy sector, Guilfoyle spoke about Greece's potential as an energy hub and the importance of bilateral cooperation.

He reiterated the importance of infrastructure in Revithoussa and Alexandroupoli and assured that he will actively promote President Trump's goals and beliefs in the region.

Let anyone who proves to be a strong ally be honored

When asked about Turkish violations of Greek airspace and the application of the law of the sea, he responded by referring to respect for international law and the principles of the alliance.

As a former prosecutor, I have always had deep respect for the rule of law, he said, adding that US positions are weighed against what the State Department supports and the US acts based on its interests while at the same time sending a clear message internationally.

We must take care of our allies and show it in action. Anyone who has proven to be a strong and reliable ally should be honored, he stated.

Trump, the best negotiator for the region

In questions regarding the US military installations in Souda and Alexandroupoli, he stressed that he will work closely with the US State Department to ensure that the US position in the region remains strong and the relationship with Greece is steadily upgraded.

Responding to a question from Democratic Senator Cory Booker regarding Greek-Turkish relations, he pointed out that this is an important issue and argued that President Trump is the best negotiator for finding ways to peacefully resolve disputes in the region.

He emphasized that the US maintains strong ties with Greece, expressing satisfaction with the fact that the country is the third largest in defense spending within NATO.

Allies must align with NATO's needs

Responding to a question from Senator Jim Reese regarding Greek-Turkish tensions and the prospect of selling F-35s to Ankara, the US ambassador-designate to Greece noted that her approach will focus on stability and strengthening strategic partnerships in the region.

Guilfoyle responded that she works closely with the American ambassador to Ankara Thomas Barrack  and also had good cooperation with the former ambassador to Athens George Tsounis.

He recalled that Turkey has chosen to move forward with Russia on S-300 systems, which – as he said – raises issues of alignment with NATO strategy.

Our allies must coordinate with the needs of the Alliance, he stressed.

She pointed out that her priority will be to deepen the trilateral cooperation between the US-Greece-Israel and the US-Greece-Cyprus, noting that these are pillars of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"If my candidacy is approved, I will do everything in my power to strengthen these relations," he stated.

He made special mention of the Greek Americans of the diaspora, about whom he spoke with warm words, emphasizing the importance of the cultural and human ties that unite the two countries.

Representing the US in Greece is an honor and a responsibility

In her prologue speech, she made special reference to her family, with roots from Ireland and Puerto Rico, emphasizing that she considers it her duty to continue the values transmitted to her by her parents.

The former prosecutor and television commentator spoke about her career as an advocate for those who had no voice, noting that the skills she acquired – in negotiation, truth-seeking, and public representation – will be fully channeled into her diplomatic mission.

I am ready to stand firmly with our Greek allies and proudly represent the president and the American people, she said.

He described Greece as a pillar of stability in a geopolitically complex region and stressed that the country's high defense spending – projected to reach up to 5% of GDP – constitutes a substantial investment in common security.

He praised the procurement of American weapons systems (F-35, Apache, Blackhawk) and the frigate co-production program, which – as he said – strengthens strategic cooperation and opens opportunities for US industry.

Referring to the energy sector, she noted the importance of Revithoussa and Alexandroupolis for the export of American LNG to Europe, while promising to support the transformation of Greece into a natural gas hub through the Vertical Corridor.

He also underlined the need to promote electrical interconnections between Greece and Cyprus, Israel and Egypt, with the aim of energy diversification in the region.

The ambassador-designate pledged to boost American investment in Greece in sectors such as defense, technology, artificial intelligence, and shipping, as well as to encourage Greek investment in the United States.

At the same time, he expressed his intention to cooperate with the Greek diaspora and promote religious freedom as a fundamental democratic value.

"The relationship between our two countries is built on human bonds. I am determined to work consistently to strengthen this spirit of friendship and mutual respect," she concluded.

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