US lawmakers stress strategic alliance with Greece and Cyprus

The importance of strengthening ties between the United States, Greece and Cyprus was underscored on Tuesday during a Congressional event in Washington marking Greek Independence, with lawmakers reaffirming bipartisan support for the partnership.

The annual celebration, held at the US capitol and organised by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) in cooperation with the congressional Hellenic caucus, brought together members of congress and senior diplomats from both countries.

Cyprus’ ambassador to the US, Evangelos Savva, pointed to the current geopolitical climate, saying that both countries are working to uphold “freedom, the rule of law, human rights and proper relations between states”.

He characterised Greece and Cyprus as “pillars of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean”.

AHI president Nick Larigakis made reference to the present status quo in Cyprus, remarking that it continues to face “52 years of illegal occupation”.

Co-chair of the Hellenic caucus, Chris Pappas, emphasised the depth of current cooperation across defence, energy and economic sectors.

“We have never relied on Greece and Cyprus as much as we do today,” he said, describing the caucus as “genuinely bipartisan” despite broader political divisions at present in the US.

He added that a central objective remains countering “Turkey’s malign influence”.

Similar concerns were raised by Nevada congresswoman Dina Titus, who characterised Turkey as a “problematic and unreliable ally” and argued that Greece occupies a “pivotal geopolitical position” as a dependable partner, particularly through regional energy cooperation involving Cyprus and Israel.

Security issues featured prominently, with New York congressman, Mike Lawler, voicing opposition to the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a stance echoed across the aisle by democrat Gabe Amo.

Republican co-chair Gus Bilirakis highlighted Greece’s recent inclusion in the State Partnership Programme, describing it as a step that will deepen military cooperation with the Florida national guard.

Greek ambassador Antonis Alexandridis said the ties between the two nations are rooted in “shared democratic ideals”.

“Greek revolutionaries were inspired by the American Revolution, just as the founders of the United States were inspired by Athenian democracy,” he said, describing Greece as a “pillar of stability and prosperity” in a volatile region.