Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commented for the first time on the nomination of Kimberly Guilfoyle for US Ambassador to Greece.
Speaking in an interview to public television ERT, he was asked whether he sees any significance in the fact that the former Fox News personality is not a diplomat.
“As a rule, ambassadors outside the diplomatic corps are chosen by America for very large and important embassies. So perhaps this says something about her role,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the outgoing ambassador, George Tsounis, was also not a member of the diplomatic corps, but he was very good at deepening relations between the US and Greece.
Mitsotakis: Useful that Guilfoyle is close to Trump’s circle
Guilfoyle had been engaged to Donald Trump Jr. and is close to the Trump family. Mitsotakis was asked if that would mean she would have a direct channel of communication with the President-elect.
“I don’t know. From what I know, however, she is certainly a person who seems to be close to President Trump’s circle and I think that is useful,” he said.
However, he immediately added: “But let’s not give it so much importance. You know, the times when American ambassadors determined developments and sometimes influenced internal political developments, I think they belong to another century.”
Mitsotakis stressed that Greek-American relations are deep and strong. “I certainly believe that whichever ambassador came, it would serve to strengthen these relations,” he stated.
Elpidophoros invites Guilfoyle to visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America spoke on Tuesday with Guilfoyle, according to a statement from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
During their conversation, Archbishop Elpidophoros congratulated Guilfoyle on her nomination by President-Elect Donald J. Trump and extended his best wishes for her success in this important role.
The Archbishop expressed his hope for the further strengthening of the historic bonds between the two nations and reaffirmed the shared commitment to the promotion of religious freedom worldwide, including the safeguarding of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
He also invited Guilfoyle to visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in New York, extending warm holiday wishes for a Merry Christmas. He expressed his eagerness to meet her in person during the upcoming Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC.
Last week, Trump picked Kimberly Guilfoyle for Ambassador to Greece.
“For many years, Kimberly has been a close friend and ally. Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,” Trump said.
“Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation,” he added.
In a statement following the announcement, Guilfoyle said she was honored to accept the President-elect’s appointment.
Related: The Legacy of US Ambassadors to Greece Since World War II
