The Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos attended the ceremony of the US Presidential Inaugural Committee in honour of the Greek – American members of the new US Government. He met with the new Chief of Staff of the White House, Reince Priebus, who is of Greek descent, the staff member of the new president, George Papadopoulos, with senior executives of the new US President’s staff and important members of the Greek – American community, while he also talked with the Archbishop Demetrios of America.

The Ministry of National Defence stated among others:

“This is a really important night. Tomorrow the new President of the United States of America will take office and he has some very important Greek – Americans by his side. People who need to stay connected with our country, Orthodoxy and the Greek people.

I am certain that the new administration will be able to continue the close cooperation between Greece and the USA in the context of NATO, but also of our bilateral cooperation.

Greece constitutes a factor of stability in the Mediterranean region, closely cooperating with Israel, but also with moderate countries such as Egypt, Jordan and NATO countries north of us, such as Bulgaria and Romania. Greece can be at the epicentre of an axis able to stop Islamic fundamentalism.

Our bilateral relations stand at the best point ever. The friendship between Greece and the USA is now based on the absolute majority of the Greek people. We know that our true allies were the ones who stood beside us during WWI and WWII, but also during our country’s reconstruction through the Truman Doctrine.

After the financial crisis, Greece expects exactly that. Close cooperation with the new president and the new administration, so we can move forward together in a new period of prosperity”.

Question by Journalist: What are your conclusions about the new administration based on the contacts you have had so far?

P. ΚΑΜΜΕΝΟS: As you know, the Greek – Americans who have assumed important posts will soon undertake their duties. First of all, we wish them the best of luck. We are certain that when the time comes they will help their country of origin, along with their second country, the USA and they will do it in the best way possible. I would like to assure you that they all know the problems our country faces very well, what can be done along with the USA and how we can move forward together to the future.