PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: So I guess this photo may —
SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah.
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: Yeah, this photo may ring some - yeah, ring some bells. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, I - we don't really have a site like that in America to provide so that's about as close as it —
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: Well, first of all, welcome, and congratulations on what was a very, very impressive speech I think that highlighted not just the historical bonds between our two countries, but also I think the debt that the rest of Europe owes to ancient Athens. And I do remember you pointed out in this photo that you were part of the welcoming committee when I had the opportunity to speak to a session of Congress and, at the time, speak about this common path between our two countries. And I'm so happy that at this point, our relationship (inaudible) are at an all-time high.
Greece is not just, I think, a pillar of stability in a turbulent region, but also a bridge between Europe, the West, the United States, the Middle East, and the Arab world, the GCC countries. And in that sense, yes, I would agree with you that we are an indispensable partner to the United States, and I'm happy that our relationship has also progressed beyond the traditional security and political partnerships that we have forged. Energy and connectivity are now so important in our bilateral relationship. So happy that Greece has invested significant resources into becoming an entry point for U.S. LNG into Europe. We are now a provider of energy security to our northern neighbors. But also the importance that we place on connectivity projects, the tremendous importance that Greek shipping plays in moving goods around. And of course, the common interest that we share in preserving the freedom of navigation, which is critical for the functioning of the world economy.
These are just some of the areas that we have in common. But I'm very happy that the strategic dialogue was able to touch upon all these issues. And again, welcome to Athens, and congratulations on a speech that I think will resonate way, way beyond the place it was delivered.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you. Firstly, thank you for the welcome. You're okay? Thank you for your welcome and for this opportunity first to speak at such a historic setting. I never thought I'd get a chance to do that. And I thought it was important, but really, more than anything else, it builds on sort of the theme of our visit, which is the historic alliance between the United States and Greece, which is not just historic, it's historical - it's founded on very powerful pillars of shared culture, shared values, and it's only grown, as you said. It's extended beyond simply defense matters, which have always been something we've worked on, and even diplomatic matters, which we've always worked on. But now it's extended to economics, to trade, to international maritime rights and security, to energy. And as you said, you're - there are a lot of pillars of insecurity surrounding you in this region, but to have you here as such a strong partner of ours and to continue to build on that relationship in a way that's mutually beneficial - I think there are things we can do on economics, on energy, on trade which are helpful to both the people of Greece and the people of the United States, and we're always looking for those opportunities.
And the one thing I would say that defines our alliance - because sometimes the term "alliance," it sounds like it's just a diplomatic alliance. But one of the things that underpins our partnership - our very strong partnership - is that we agree on the same problems. We agree that we have the same problems that we're worried about, and we more often than not agree on the right solution. So when you have partners like that - not to mention the strong historic links that are the foundation of our relationship - there's a lot we're excited about. And I'm happy to be here, and look forward to continue to build on this relationship.
PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: Thank you.
