The USA is a pillar and defender of democracy and will not withdraw from NATO and Europe, underlined US ambassador to Greece George Tsounis on Friday, at the 4th Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit on “Making pathways to prosperity, solidity and cohesion for south-east Europe”, organised by the Economist in collaboration with Powergame.gr.
There are challenges in the region, which have intensified since 2022, when a European state was invaded, and there are some who believe that they can forcefully change the borders and security architecture that we have enjoyed for many decades and which is now at stake, pointed out the US ambassador, participating with his counterparts in neighboring countries in the section of the conference on “US – Southeastern Europe: Strengthening ties in the midst of geopolitical turmoil”.
He expressed the opinion that Europe was aware that the peace that existed in the 90s is no more and that the US role is very important for international security.
Tsunis particularly referred to the achievement of interconnectivity in the energy sector, stressing that energy security is global, national, international security and emphasised that alternative solutions are provided for energy independence from Russia and that the Vertical Natural Gas Corridor and interconnecting pipelines in which the Greece plays a central role are incredibly important.
Referring to the Balkans he estimated that the USA’s policy had fallen short of delivering all that had been promised and intended.