The clock is ticking for Kimberly Guilfoyle as she prepares to officially assume her post as the next U.S. ambassador to Greece.
Just a few days ago, Guilfoyle appeared before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, addressing a range of issues relating to Greece and the broader region.
According to official government sources, the hearing demonstrated the bipartisan support for U.S.–Greece relations. Several senators voiced strong backing for Greek positions, a result attributed to recent diplomatic efforts by the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, who had met with key U.S. officials including Senator Cory Booker, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Senator Cory Booker, a member of the committee, emphasized the need to modernize the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) between the two countries and raised concerns over the deteriorating state of Greek-Turkish relations. He specifically mentioned ongoing Turkish provocations against Greek sovereignty and maritime boundaries, warning that tensions remain high.
In her response, Kimberly Guilfoyle acknowledged these concerns as “absolutely legitimate,” noting that similar reservations have been expressed by other U.S. allies such as Israel and Cyprus, especially regarding the potential further arming of Turkey with advanced weapons systems like the F-35 fighter jets.
She also praised Greece for fulfilling its NATO obligations, highlighting the country’s defense spending, which exceeds 3% of GDP, placing Greece fifth worldwide in military investment relative to GDP.
Senator Jim Risch reiterated that he has consistently opposed and will continue to block the transfer of F-35s to Turkey, citing Ankara’s ongoing territorial claims against Greece. He also criticized U.S. media for not giving sufficient coverage to the ongoing tensions between the two NATO members.
Senator Chris Van Hollen asked Guilfoyle whether she believed that Turkish provocations in the air and sea should be addressed under International Law. She replied that she would align with the U.S. State Department and the President of the United States, adding that she is committed to strengthening U.S.–Greece cooperation further.
Van Hollen commended Greece for consistently acting within the framework of international law, noting that this approach strengthens its international standing. He concluded by stressing that the U.S. must support the application of international law in such cases.
