Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hosted a dinner in honor of U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Gilfoil at the Maximos Mansion on Wednesday evening, July 1, to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
A shared democratic legacy
In a Facebook post early Thursday, Mitsotakis described the milestone as a “historic anniversary that reaffirms the enduring power of liberal democratic ideals.” He noted that the dialogue between Greece and the United States — two democracies with deep historical roots — continues uninterrupted to this day.
“Greco-American relations are at their highest level ever,” Mitsotakis wrote. “Our two countries move forward together through an increasingly robust strategic partnership, united by a shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and regional and international stability. This cooperation is strengthened within multilateral frameworks where both nations participate side by side — with the Greek-American community serving as a vital, unique bridge between our peoples.”
Beyond political cycles
The prime minister emphasized that Greco-U.S. ties have long transcended individual governments and electoral cycles. “It is now a well-established common understanding that our bilateral relationship rests on shared values — the strongest guarantee that our strategic cooperation will continue deepening for the benefit of both nations,” he concluded.
Mitsotakis also recalled his May 2022 address before a joint session of the U.S. Congress, highlighting the centuries-old intellectual and historical kinship between the two nations. He pointed out that the ideas inspiring America’s Founding Fathers were rooted in ancient Greek thought — and that the American experiment, in turn, inspired Greece’s 1821 independence movement. Figures like Rigas Feraios and Adamantios Korais looked to the U.S. as living proof that liberty could be won through faith, unity, and resolve.
“When Greeks rose up for their freedom, American society stood beside them — moved by empathy and admiration — fueling one of the earliest waves of modern philhellenism,” Mitsotakis added.