US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Archbishop Ieronymos of Greece

US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle visits Archbishop of Greece Ieronymos. Credit: Orestis Panayiotou / EPA via AMNA

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the new US Ambassador to Greece, began her official duties with a series of symbolic and strategic meetings in Athens, underscoring Washington’s intention to deepen ties with a key regional ally. Her first engagements included a courtesy visit to Archbishop Ieronymos of Greece, followed by talks with Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias—meetings that combined diplomatic protocol with major defense-related announcements.

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Archbishop Ieronymos

Shortly after noon, Ambassador Guilfoyle arrived at the Archdiocese of Athens for her introductory visit, a longstanding tradition for every newly appointed US ambassador. Archbishop Ieronymos welcomed her warmly, offering his blessing with the words, “May God bless you.”

Guilfoyle thanked him for his hospitality and shared a personal note about her family. She mentioned that her son was particularly excited about the visit, as it means they will now be able to attend church services in Greece more frequently.

She added that she has promised him she will participate in as many liturgies as her schedule allows—a gesture that resonated warmly during the brief exchange.

I was deeply honored to meet with His Beatitude Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos today. Standing up for our shared values is a priority of mine, and we had a wonderful discussion about how the United States can work together with the Greek Orthodox Church to promote… pic.twitter.com/KltkDz3koY

— Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (@USAmbassadorGR) November 13, 2025

A Strategic Shift: Greece joins the US State Partnership Program

Later in the day, the ambassador held her first official meeting at the Ministry of National Defense. There, the focus shifted from ceremonial protocol to significant policy developments regarding the US–Greece security partnership.

Following her discussion with Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, Guilfoyle announced that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has formally approved Greece’s entry into the State Partnership Program (SPP)—a longstanding US initiative that links partner nations with the US National Guard for long-term military cooperation.

Today I officially met with Defense Minister @NikosDendias for the first time at the @Hellenic_MOD, where we talked about our robust defense partnership, which I’m committed to growing during my tenure. In one of my first steps as Ambassador, I am proud to announce that @SecWar… pic.twitter.com/V9g6GvkwiQ

— Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (@USAmbassadorGR) November 13, 2025

In a statement shared after the meeting, Guilfoyle highlighted the importance of this step:

“This new relationship with the US National Guard will expand cooperation with one of our oldest allies. It will not only provide access to new military capabilities and joint training but also help us deepen our engagement across government, business, education, and more—taking our partnership to new heights.”

She emphasized her commitment to strengthening the already robust defense relationship between the two countries throughout her tenure.

Dendias: A partnership set to grow further

Minister Dendias echoed the ambassador’s message, stating that the two discussed “the strategic defense relationship between Greece and the United States and the prospects for further deepening it.” He also extended his best wishes to Ambassador Guilfoyle as she begins her new role in Athens.

Υποδέχτηκα σήμερα, στην πρώτη της επίσημη επίσκεψη στο Υπουργείο Εθνικής Άμυνας, την Πρέσβη των ΗΠΑ, κα Kimberly Α. Guilfoyle @USAmbassadorGR, με την οποία συζητήσαμε για τις στρατηγικές αμυντικές σχέσεις 🇬🇷-🇺🇸 και τις προοπτικές περαιτέρω εμβάθυνσής τους.
Ευχήθηκα στην κα… pic.twitter.com/1ISZPnDERu

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) November 13, 2025

A Diplomatic Opening of Symbolism and Substance as Kimberly Guilfoyle Holds Key Meetings in Athens

Ambassador Guilfoyle’s first day of high-level engagements demonstrates a dual approach: respect for Greece’s cultural and religious institutions, and a clear focus on advancing strategic cooperation.

With the announcement of Greece joining the US State Partnership Program, her opening steps signal a new phase in US–Greece relations—one combining deeper military collaboration with broad-based diplomatic engagement.