Papastavrou, Guilfoyle underline Greece's role as a regional energy hub

Papastavrou stressed that 2025 had been a "turning point" for Greece, "with energy agreements that substantially enhance our country's position in the European energy architecture". These agreements were already being implemented, he added, and would bring investments, increase state revenues, bring new and high-quality jobs, while strengthening Greece's geopolitical position.

"The first exploratory drilling in 40 years in our country, by ExxonMobil, Energean, HelleniqEnergy and the comprehensive development of the hydrocarbons sector by Chevron, the operation of the Vertical Corridor since December and all the other agreements are the result of our joint progress with the United States in the field of energy. At the same time, we see the 3+1 initiative developing dynamically.

The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is visiting Israel at this time and further strengthening our regional cooperation in many areas, but chiefly in defence and energy. These agreements are based on the common vision of the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis," he said.

Many challenges still lay ahead, Papastavrou concluded, while adding that "we will proceed decisively with the implementation and strengthening of our cooperation in 2026, so that there is peace and growth in the region."

He also thanked the ambassador for her personal decision to support these important energy deals. Ambassador Guilfoyle, on her part, noted that energy "lies at the core" of the relationship between the U.S. and Greece.

"Energy is not just a lever moving economic growth. It is the backbone of national security. My term in Greece began with the P-TEC conference, which brought together nearly 1,000 leaders from the public and private sector throughout Central and Eastern Europe, with the aim of transporting American Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) to Europe and reducing the region's dependence on Russia," she said, while also noting the record - for Greece - participation of 80 high-ranking officials of the U.S. administration, including four Department Secretaries.

She noted that the role of Greece, "with its strong economic prospects, its significant contribution to securing regional stability and its commitment to conflict resolution," will be further strengthened as a regional energy hub in 2026. Thanking Papastavrou for his "courageous leadership and vision in this area", Guilfoyle stressed that the United States are committed to this relationship and are ready to support Greece's role as a gateway for diversified and secure energy routes to Europe. "I am proud of what we have already achieved together between our two countries and look forward to reaching many more milestones in the coming year. God bless you and the peoples of our two great nations,” she said.