Editorial: Opportunities

All Greek Prime Ministers since the post-junta regime change in 1974 have paid an official visit to the White House.

Each time, an invitation from the US president offers different opportunities for Greece, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ second visit to the White House (the first was when Donald Trump was in office) is no exception to the rule.

Particularly given the current confluence of events, with an ongoing, full-blown war on the European continent and with all the post-WWII certainties being challenged, the presence of the Greek delegation in Washington demonstrates Greece’s importance as a core Western country.

The government maintains that the amended US-Greece Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA, photo, signing) that was ratified by Parliament last week is proof of the commitment of the US to make a long-term geopolitical investment in Greece.

That commitment should be made clear during the PM’s visit to Washington, as the symbolism of meetings is as powerful as the substance of relations.

During the two-day visit, Greece’s role as an energy hub must be emphasised.

Moreover, the geopolitical and economic upgrading of Athens as a partner of the US should be highlighted, and all issues pertaining to Turkish provocations should be put on the table.