Trump denies closure of American base in Alexandroupolis - The importance of the port for the US

This meeting is expected to focus on the framework of bilateral contacts between Greece and the US, as well as on critical open issues at the international level. The meeting is to take place on the sidelines of G. Gerapetritis' participation in the Security Council meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York. It is also worth noting that the meeting of the heads of diplomacy of the two countries comes in the wake of rumors about the closure of the so-called American base in Alexandroupolis as a result of Washington's change of stance on Ukraine. The American president himself even spoke out on the issue, denying the rumors that the Americans wanted to end their presence in the border city of Alexandroupolis.

In particular, the US president, when asked about the specific issue by a foreign journalist during joint statements with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office, appeared to be unaware of the issue and turned his head towards the Defense Minister who was present and replied that the specific story is not true.

"Does that mean no, Pete?" Trump wanted to clarify. “It is not,” the Defense Minister replied, and the American president responded in turn: “It is not true.” In the previous days, a Greek newspaper had reported that the new administration of Donald Trump was preparing to close the base in Alexandroupolis that serves American troops.

What is the real role of the port of Alexandroupolis?

The port of Alexandroupolis has emerged as a strategic hub for both the United States and Greece, especially after the war in Ukraine. The Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) between the two countries has strengthened the importance of the port, which is now a critical point for military and commercial (energy) transport.

In particular, the strategic deepening of relations between the two countries in recent years has been preceded by the operational role played by Greece in the movement of forces and vehicles to strengthen the eastern arm of the North Atlantic Alliance. In fact, the port of Alexandroupolis, although it remains a Greek structure, has emerged as a strategic hub for NATO, especially after the war in Ukraine. Its geographical location and infrastructure make it a crucial point for the supply of NATO forces and the support of Ukraine. The port is a vital maritime hub for the supply of NATO forces on the western borders of Ukraine, providing weapons, food and humanitarian aid.

Alexandroupolis, until recently at least, allowed the US to continue providing military support to Ukraine. Thousands of tons of American military equipment, including aircraft and armored vehicles, have been transported through the port. It is also worth noting that the Greek government canceled the privatization process of the port in 2022, recognizing its strategic importance.

At the same time, Alexandroupolis has developed into an important energy and transit hub for NATO.

The port was considered, until recently at least, a “Greek asset for NATO.” Therefore, the question arises as to whether the Trump administration’s change of stance on Ukraine will limit the operation of the port and affect Greek-American relations, and what the role of Alexandroupolis and the country’s other military infrastructures mentioned in the strategic agreement between the two countries will be. However, Greek diplomacy declares its coolness towards the developments and recalls that the strategic agreement between the two countries has deep roots, which make it necessary, especially in an era of increased uncertainty.

The value of the port for the Americans had also been proven by their decision to finance the necessary works to deepen the port, so that it could accommodate large ocean-going warships. In fact, they financed the lifting of a dredger ship that was at the bottom of the port and was preventing the entry of large ships.

American Financing for the Lifting of the Dredger "Olga"
The lifting of the dredger "Olga" in the port of Alexandroupolis was an important undertaking that took place with the support of the United States. The cost of the operation amounted to 2.3 million dollars, which were provided by the US military. The dredging was necessary to free up the port's pier, improving its access and functionality.

This operation is part of the framework of American investments and interests in the region, which also include the development of the ports of Alexandroupolis and Kavala. The American presence in the region strengthens the strategic cooperation between Greece and the US, contributing to the strengthening of the geopolitical importance of the region.

The remaining issues on the Rubio - Gerapetritis agenda

According to diplomatic sources, the two men will discuss current developments in the Greek-Turkish and Cyprus issues: Greek diplomacy looks forward to the continuation of American support for the Greek and Cypriot positions. It is recalled that the new American Secretary of State has in the past been a supporter of Greek positions and in particular of the prefecture that supported the creation of the Greece-Cyprus undersea pipeline (East-Med).

Athens will also seek to further strengthen relations with the US and Europe, amid new geopolitical changes. Regarding Ukraine and the Middle East, according to information, views are expected to be exchanged on the developments in the war in Ukraine and geopolitical developments in the Middle East. For Athens, this meeting demonstrates the strategic depth of Greece-US relations, with Greek diplomacy seeking to maintain and strengthen cooperation with the US. Finally, G. Gerapetritis will also have contacts with members of Congress and diaspora organizations.