AHI Hosts U.S. Ambassador Guilfoyle for Policy Forum in Athens on U.S.–Greece Relations
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle
ATHENS — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI), in cooperation with the AHI-Athens Chapter, hosted a high-level policy forum on December 1, 2025, titled “One Year Since the Election of President Donald Trump: Where Do We Stand Regarding the U.S.–Greece Relationship?” The event, held at the Grande Bretagne hotel, featured a keynote address by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and drew more than 300 leaders from government, diplomacy, business, academia, and the community.
AHI-Athens Chapter President Retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis welcomed guests and introduced the forum’s moderator, Fanis Papathanasiou, anchor and senior diplomatic correspondent, ERT TV. The discussion featured a panel of distinguished experts:
Dora Bakoyannis, member of the Hellenic Parliament, former minister of Foreign Affairs, and former mayor of Athens
Dr. Constantinos Filis, director, American College of Greece (ACG) Institute of Foreign Affairs
Christos Marafatsos, chairman, Greek Americans for Trump
AHI President Nick Larigakis delivered closing remarks.
AHI-Athens Chapter President Retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis, AHI President Nick Larigakis, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, Dora Bakoyannis, member of the Hellenic Parliament, former minister of Foreign Affairs, and former mayor of Athens, Fanis Papathanasiou, anchor and senior diplomatic correspondent, ERT TV, Dr. Constantinos Filis, director, American College of Greece (ACG) Institute of Foreign Affairs and Christos Marafatsos, chairman, Greek Americans for Trump
Ambassador Guilfoyle Emphasizes Strategic Depth of U.S.–Greece Ties
In her keynote address, Ambassador Guilfoyle emphasized that U.S.–Greece relations are at a “very high level” and expressed her commitment to strengthening them further. She praised AHI for its leadership and community engagement.
“As great as our government-to-government relationship is, and it truly is a special partnership, we cannot accomplish our goals alone,” she said. “Organizations such as AHI are critical.”
Ambassador Guilfoyle highlighted Greece’s growing role as a regional energy hub, noting that agreements finalized during her first week in Athens will enable U.S. LNG to begin flowing through Greece to nearby countries, including Ukraine, within a month. These developments, she said, represent both strategic achievements and important commercial progress.
“These agreements are major investments, a down payment on our shared prosperity,” Ambassador Guilfoyle said.
Fanis Papathanasiou, anchor and senior diplomatic correspondent, ERT TV, Dora Bakoyannis, member of the Hellenic Parliament, former minister of Foreign Affairs, and former mayor of Athens, Dr. Constantinos Filis, director, American College of Greece (ACG) Institute of Foreign Affairs and Christos Marafatsos, chairman, Greek Americans for Trump
Fanis Papathanasiou, anchor and senior diplomatic correspondent, ERT TV, with Dora Bakoyannis, member of the Hellenic Parliament, former minister of Foreign Affairs and former mayor of Athens
Panel Discussion: Security, Diplomacy, and the Greek American Role
The panel analyzed the future of U.S.–Greece relations under President Trump’s second term, the regional security environment, energy cooperation, and the role of the Greek American community.
Greece–Turkey Relations and Regional Stability
Member of Parliament Bakoyannis and Dr. Filis stressed the importance of Greece maintaining dialogue with Turkey while ensuring Greece’s continued defense modernization.
Bakoyannis underscored that the trajectory of Greek-Turkish relations hinges primarily on Turkish conduct. She acknowledged that “Turkey is a major player in the region… and a NATO ally,” but emphasized that “the evolution of Greek-Turkish relations depend first and foremost on Turkish actions.” She added that Greece is not the revisionist power in the Aegean and emphasized that Greece is not the country occupying Cyprus.
Bakoyannis also stressed democratic concerns, stating, “And we are not the ones backsliding massively on democratic practice,” adding that the state of democracy worldwide is directly relevant to the United States, Greece, and Europe.
Turning to Ambassador Guilfoyle, Bakoyannis said, “being the strongest democracy in the world comes with the responsibility to uphold democratic principles within the alliance.” She added that NATO is not only a military alliance, but one anchored in democracy, individual liberties, and the rule of law.
AHI President & CEO Nick Larigakis
AHI-Athens Chapter President Retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis
A Global Context for Bilateral Relations
Filis placed current U.S.–Greece relations in the broader international landscape shaped by President Trump’s diplomatic style, which is characterized by both flexibility and unpredictability. He noted the Eastern Mediterranean’s mix of conflict, opportunity, and potential for cooperation, and emphasized that Greece’s close ties with the United States and NATO remain essential.
Although the United States will continue to be the world’s dominant power, Filis said, it requires dependable allies. Europe, despite its economic strength, still displays geopolitical immaturity, making Greece’s transatlantic ties even more critical.
Bakoyannis noted that Greece offers the United States vital strategic capabilities beyond Souda Bay and praised Ambassador Guilfoyle’s clarity, focus, and early momentum.
Economic Strength and the Greek American Community
Marafatsos underscored the importance of the Ambassador’s emphasis on “energy dominance” and commercial cooperation. Strengthening Greece economically, he said, is essential to its long-term security posture and competitiveness in the region. He also highlighted the continuing significance of the Greek American community in shaping U.S. policy.
Ukraine Conflict and the International Order
Addressing the war in Ukraine, Filis warned against any peace agreement that rewards aggression, arguing it would embolden future violators of international law. Bakoyannis echoed this view, emphasizing that peace must be “for Ukraine, not over Ukraine.” She stressed that powerful nations must not be permitted to invade neighbors, seize territory, and expect international acceptance.
Bakoyannis also expressed confidence in U.S. leadership on the issue, describing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a highly capable interlocutor.
Filis added that the rules-based international order, an American-led creation after World War II, remains fundamental to global stability and must be preserved.
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle with AHI President Nick Larigakis
President Larigakis: “This Is Not the Time for Complacency”
In his concluding remarks, President Larigakis thanked Ambassador Guilfoyle for participating in the full discussion and affirmed AHI’s readiness to work closely with her and the U.S. Embassy team.
He praised the evening’s panel for delivering “the kind of open and honest dialogue we need to have,” and extended gratitude to Vice Admiral Kyriazis and event sponsors Capital and PPC (Public Power Corporation) for their support.
Larigakis emphasized that although Greece is a small country, it “punches way above its weight” in the region as evidenced by consistently ranking among NATO’s top defense spenders and serving as a critical partner in the 3+1 framework promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Citing the legacy of AHI Founder Eugene T. Rossides, Larigakis reminded attendees that AHI’s purpose has always been to advance U.S. interests—interests that remain aligned with those of Greece.
He cautioned, however, that the strength of the U.S.–Greece relationship must never be taken for granted. As the relationship reaches historic highs, he said, “this is not the time for complacency.” Greece and the Greek American community must continue working to deepen cooperation, identify new opportunities, and reinforce shared democratic values, he added.
Finally, Larigakis stressed that the bilateral relationship stands firmly on its own merits and should not be viewed through the prism of third countries, including Turkey.
Berit & Stavros Veletsis longtime AHI members and supporters of the event , Fanis Papathanasiou, anchor and senior diplomatic correspondent, ERT TV, and AHI-Athens Chapter President Retired Vice Admiral Vasileios Kyriazis
The AHI extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who supported this year’s event. We are especially grateful to our Grand Benefactor, Capital, and to our President’s Circle sponsor, PPC, for their exceptional commitment. Our gratitude also goes to our Chairman’s Circle sponsors—Aeroservices; Costa Navarino; G.C. Economou & Associates of Athens; James H. Lagos of Springfield, OH; Navios Maritime Partners L.P.; James Pedas of Washington, DC; and Stavros & Berit Veletsis of Alexandria, VA—whose leadership-level support has been invaluable. We warmly thank our Benefactors, including Takis Diamantopoulos, Economist & Business Advisor; EFA Group; Nickelium; KAPOTAS S.A.; Ioannis Chorozoglou, Senior Business Consultant; Bill Mataragas of Chicago, IL; Omega Industries Inc.; and the Propeller Club, for their generous contributions. We are further grateful to our Sponsors—Dr. Helen Abadzi & Theodore Vakrinos of Alexandria, VA; The American College of Greece; Leon Andris of Washington, DC; K. Arvanitis S.A.; Hotel Grande Bretagne – The Luxury Collection (Athens); Enterprise Greece; and IHOR—whose support plays an essential role in the success of our programs. Finally, we acknowledge our Media Sponsor, ERT, and Media Partner, Greek News USA, for helping amplify our mission. We extend our sincere thanks to all sponsors for their dedication and partnership.
