US President Trump Marks Greek Independence Day

Photo source: @WhiteHouse

“Our great American experiment was inspired by the ideas about liberty, self-government, and the rule of law that traced their roots to ancient Greece,” US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday.

In his proclamation on Greek Independence Day, celebrated on March 25, the US president made special reference to the alliance between the United States and Greece.

“In October 2019, my Administration worked with Greek officials to strengthen and expand our defense and security partnership by updating the United States-Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement Annex. This agreement paves the way for closer collaboration on national security matters between our two countries for decades to come,” he said.

Trump added that the United States is grateful for the commitment of Greece, a strong NATO Ally, to the naval presence of the US at Souda Bay on the island of Crete.

“Through such endeavors, the partnership between our countries advances our strategic national interests in stable and peaceful Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Western Balkans regions,” he said.

The president of the US noted that an estimated 3 million Americans claim Greek descent.

“We therefore reaffirm our commitment to building firm institutional foundations that foster deep appreciation of our common ties. To that end, we are proud to have established the Future Leaders Exchange Program, which is further developing educational, cultural, and scientific cooperation between our two countries. Throughout our histories, both of our nations have prioritized interactions between our peoples, which are at the core of our cherished relationship and alliance.”

As highlighted by Trump, the United States and Greece continue to share a long-held belief that political power belongs in the hands of the people.

“On this 199th anniversary of Greek independence, we confirm the pillars of governance, culture, and patriotism that have forged and continue to sustain the faithful bond our two nations enjoy.”