Pompeo's letter to Mitsotakis: Athens a key ally and crucial player in Eastern Mediterranean

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his country's full support for Greece in a letter to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled by the Greek government on Tuesday.

"We consider Athens a key ally and a crucial player in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Balkans" Pompeo underlined in his letter, adding that the US will remain committed to supporting Greece's prosperity, security and democracy.

In the letter, released by government spokesperson Stelios Petsas, Pompeo says that the signing of the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) is a turning point in an enhanced security partnership between Greece and the United States, adding that the two sides are "forging a much closer strategic relation through the MDCA". He underlined the excellent relations between Greece and USA, noting that US president Donald Trump had described them as "extraordinary" during the Greek PM's recent visit to Washington.

Moreover, Pompeo also said that Mitsotakis' visit to USA "was a clear reaffirmation of the close ties and cooperation tight between our two countries," while also reaffirming Greece's emergence - after almost a decade of crisis - as "a success story of economic recovery" while in the process demonstrating "a remarkable social cohesion and strong democratic institutions".

Pompeo also added that the US is closely following developmemnts in the region and stands firm in its belief that those with interests in the Eastern Mediterranean should seek solutions through peaceful means, consistent with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, and refrain from any action or declaration that could be provocative.

"We do not need an escalation of tensions in the region but rather candid dialogue that will lead to outcomes that respect international law," the letter concluded.

In comments after releasing the letter, Petsas stressed that Greece was replying to Turkish provocations and bravado with "national confidence" that relied "on our ability to do whatever is necessary, international law and our alliances."