The U.S. State Department has given Congress the necessary assurances regarding Greece's security in the Aegean and the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, Congressman John Sarbanes confirmed in statements to Open television on Wednesday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received two new blows in light of his incendiary statements against Greece and also regarding the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Ankara.

US State Department Director at the Office of Southern European Affairs Yuri Kim said that strengthening ties with Cyprus and enhancing relations with Greece was to the benefit of the United States.