February 6, 2015 – U.S. Ambassador to Greece David D. Pearce met over the past two days with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras; Deputy Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis; Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias; Economy, Infrastructure, Shipping and Tourism Minister Giorgos Stathakis; and Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis.
Ambassador Pearce was joined for his meetings with Ministers Dragasakis, Stathakis, and Varoufakis by Deputy Assistant Secretary Daleep Singh from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Mr. Singh, who has travelled to Greece before, is in Athens to meet Greece’s new economic and finance team.
Ambassador Pearce discussed important bilateral and regional issues with Greek officials. He recognized the significant sacrifices that have already been made by the Greek people, while also reaffirming the United States’ position that Greece should continue to make administrative and structural reforms and exercise fiscal prudence. At the same time, in the view of the United States, Greece must make reforms that make foreign investment in Greece more attractive so the country can meet its international obligations and return to prosperity.
“The United States believes that it is very important for the Greek government to work cooperatively with its European colleagues, as well as with the IMF,” Ambassador Pearce stressed.
Ambassador Pearce made special mention of the close bilateral relationship between the United States and Greece and the important defense and security partnership between the two nations. He noted the United States’ appreciation for Greece’s contributions to stability in the Mediterranean region and to NATO. Ambassador Pearce reiterated that the United States wants to see Greece emerge from its prolonged economic crisis and continue to play a stabilizing role in the region.
