OR Kimberly Gilfailchosen by President, Donald Trump, to lead the US Embassy in Greecewas found before the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday (09.07.2025) to approve its appointment.
As the Republican Party holds the majority in the committee, Her approval is widely expected. The final step for the appointment of Kimberly Gilfail in Greece will be the Voting by Senate plenary.
After the successful confirmation and swearing -in By President Trump at a White House oval office, the new ambassador is expected to depart for the Athens.
Gilfail was one of their five candidates passed through a hearing in the Foreign Affairs Committee. Initially, senators made recommendations to the Bureau for the reasons for each candidacy to be accepted, before the candidates themselves pass.
There was, however had not appeared in time, due to a family problem.
During her hearing and answering questions (which is said to have appeared very well), Kimberly Gilfail referred extensively to the strategic importance of Greek-American relations but also to Greek-Turkish markets, while also in the market of the F-35s by Turkey, for which the S-400s seem to be on the side of the S-400.
“Turkey has chosen to proceed with Russia to S-400 anti-missile systems, and this raises serious issues of alignment with NATO’s strategy,” said the US (except shocking unexpected) new US ambassador to Greece and added that “our allies must coordinate with their needs”. As for the possibility of reintegrating Turkey in the F-35 program said Ankara has been blocked because of its choices.
Kimberly Gilfail appeared well -read in her hearing and seemed to get the impression. In her statement to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the US Ambassador to Greece said: “Mr President Haggetti and honorable members of this committee, with a deep sense of honor and deep humility today, appearing before you as the US President.
Express my sincere gratitude To the president for his belief in my abilities and to the Minister of Rubio for the collective confidence they showed me. I also thank this committee for the opportunity to be here and for the careful examination of my candidate. “
In fact, Kimberly Gilfail stressed: “Being a candidate to represent the United States is one predecessor. And taking into account a place in Greece, the birthplace of democracyit’s a unique price. The ideals of freedom, self -government and the rule of law born in ancient Athens echo over the centuries, inspiring generations of thinkers and leaders, including the founders of our nation.
This deep legacywhich has greatly influenced the world and the creation of our own democracy, resonates with my own lifelong dedication to social contribution and the steadfast pursuit of a more fair and prosperous world through strong international partnerships.
“If I am confirmed, I am committed to fully utilizing this (my professional) experience in Athens. Be ready To be a tireless supporter of American interests, a solid partner for our Greek allies and a proud and loyal spokesman for President (Trump) and the American people, “he said.
In her introductory placement, Kimberly Gilfail underlined critical role which is being made by our country in the southern NATO wing, making special reference to defense ties and the fact that Greece is one of the most consistent countries in fulfilling allied obligations concerning defense spending.
He also underlined the emerging importance of Greece as critical energy node In the area, making special reference to the liquefied gas station in Revithousa, the vertical corridor of Alexandroupolis and the electric interconnection projects with Cyprus and Israel.
NATO and defense cooperation
“In recent decades, Greece has evolved into a pillar of stability in a complex area and its commitment to our common security within NATO’s alliance is more important than ever. Is firmly ranked among the highest expenditure allies. Greece is projected to continue investing 3% of GDP her in defense in 2025 and is on orbit to reach the 5%according to the alliance’s commitment to The Hague.
This is not just a matter of statistics. It is a tangible investment in our collective security. In addition, a significant portion of these costs has been directed towards acquiring US defense technology, including of the awesome F-35 fighter aircraft, the advanced Apache and Black Hawk helicopters and modern naval vessels. In addition, the proposed joint project for the co -production of naval frigates demonstrates Greece’s long -term commitment to our strategic defense cooperation.
These modernization efforts reinforce Greece’s important military potential, reinforce the eastern side of our NATO alliance and create valuable opportunities for the US industry. If I am validated, I will set the highest priority the further acceleration of Greece’s defense modernization, further enhancing cooperation and synergies between our defense sectors. “
Greece as an energy hub
«The United States and Greece have made huge progress in energy cooperation. Revithousa’s LNG terminal in Greece and the construction of the floating re -treatment and storage unit in Alexandroupolis allow the US to export more natural gas to Europe. While US gas now accounts for 20% of gas in Greece, from 2% five years ago, there are huge opportunities for the sale of more American energy in Greece and its neighbors.
If I am validated I will work for the so -called Vertical corridor between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Central Europe, so that Greece can become a US gas hub for the area. I will also encourage Greece’s progress in the construction of electrical interconnection projects with its neighbors, including Cyprus, Israel and Egypt, who contribute to regional energy differentiation and security. “
Economic cooperation
“The financial opportunities remain a central pillar of the strong US-Greece relationship.
EIf I am validated, I will serve as a strategic partner in promoting US commercial and investment interestsbased on successful efforts to expand opportunities for US companies in key sectors, including defense, energy, shipping, infrastructure, technology, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, hospitality and agriculture.
I will also seek active ways to encourage and facilitate Greek investment in the United States, promoting a more balanced, durable and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. “