Your Excellency Deputy Secretary of State, Michael Rigas, Your Excellency Ambassador Guilfoyle, distinguished guests.
We gathered today to celebrate a milestone in this new era of U.S.-Greek-Korean relations. The partnership between Greece and the US, long anchored by our ironclad defense cooperation, is evolving. Today, we are adding dynamic new chapters to that legacy.
While defense remains a pillar of our alliance, the future of our collaboration lies in the strategic intersection of Economic Diplomacy, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Shipbuilding. These sectors represent the next frontier where Greek Korean and US enterprises -working in tandem- can drive global innovation and contribute to sustainable peace and growth.
Indeed, In recent days, our focus has sharpened on the Vertical Energy Corridor aiming at enhancing our energy cooperation and decoupling Europe from Russian energy.
Today, we see the opportunities offered through the partnership between ONEX and Hanwha. The recently announced U.S. Maritime Action Plan represents a historic shift, signaling a new openness for foreign shipyards to support both commercial and naval shipbuilding for the United States. The intent is clear. Engaging trusted allies like Greece and South Korea to rejuvenate U.S. shipbuilding is a decisive move in the right direction.
This agreement is a quintessential win-win. It extends beyond the shipyard, unlocking potential in large-scale energy projects. Greek shipowners have a legendary intuition for opportunity; they were the first to support Korean shipyards after World War II, helping build an industrial titan. I have no doubt they will be the first to recognize the value of this ONEX-Hanwha alignment and lead the way once again.
Looking ahead, the potential of the U.S.-Greece-Korea trilateral alignment is vast. As the agreement itself states: "Today is the start of something big, and it is built for execution."
Congratulations to all parties for your vision, your hard work, and your commitment to a more secure and prosperous future.
I especially wish to thank the Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, for her tireless efforts to upgrade our relationship. Ambassador, you have set a new baseline for amazing heights.
Thank you so much.
February 26, 2026