New dynamics in US diplomatic representation in Greece are being created by the departure of Kimberly Guilfoyle from her post as US ambassador in Athens.Officially, the government is avoiding comment on developments, stressing that this is an internal matter for the US administration. That does not mean, of course, that it is not following events closely, while staying out of a process in which it has no say. But, as the government makes clear, the fundamentals of relations between the two countries will under no circumstances change.
The government’s central message is that an ambassador’s departure does not automatically mean a change in foreign policy or the overturning of bilateral agreements. As officials note, the Greek-US strategic relationship is underpinned by institutional structures, shared interests and long-term partnerships, which do not depend solely on the individuals heading diplomatic missions.
This is so despite the fact that the outgoing ambassador had been a personal choice of the US president, had long been part of his inner circle, taken part in his election campaigns and had a high profile in the MAGA movement.
Against this backdrop, Athens makes clear that Guilfoyle’s departure does not signal dissatisfaction with Greece on Washington’s part. Instead, there is confidence that cooperation between the two countries will remain at a high level, with emphasis on maintaining contact and advancing agreements already under way.
“They will be strictly honoured”
“Greek-US relations are continuing and will continue without disruption,” Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said on OPEN, referring to the level of bilateral cooperation. Key issues include the natural gas Vertical Corridor and agreements on hydrocarbon exploration and development, which are linked to Greece’s energy role in the wider region and which, he said, will be strictly honoured.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said on Naftemporiki TV that cooperation with the US remains at the highest possible level. He said the recent visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had demonstrated the depth of bilateral relations, and stressed that the Greek government continues to work with US diplomats, respecting the choices of the US side.
The ambassador’s departure could, of course, cause temporary disruption to contacts and coordination, particularly at a time when energy cooperation and regional developments require continuous diplomatic communication. Athens’s priority is to ensure that the transition takes place without delays to the implementation of agreed initiatives.
Until the process of selecting and appointing a new ambassador is complete, the chargé d’affaires will temporarily run the embassy. The next ambassador will be chosen by the US, following a proposal by President Trump, and will then be subject to the prescribed review and confirmation procedures in the Senate. There is currently no clear timetable for the ambassador’s arrival in Athens.