U.S. President Joe Biden met on Monday morning with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and congratulated the prime minister on 201 years of Greek independence.

The leaders underscored that the relationship between the United States and Greece is stronger than ever, and noted the enduring people-to-people bonds that have helped define their bilateral ties for more than two centuries.

Biden and Mitsotakis reviewed their countries’ strong and growing defense partnership, shared democratic values, and commitment to further expand bilateral trade and investment.

They discussed developments in Ukraine, including strong support for efforts to impose costs on Russia for its unprovoked aggression, and pledged to continue backing the people and government of Ukraine. 

The two men also discussed developments in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as common efforts to confront global challenges, including energy security, climate change, and threats to democracy.

Mitsotakis later met with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday following his address to a joint meeting of Congress.

Harris offered her congratulations on Greece’s 201 years of independence and reaffirmed the strong alliance between the United States and Greece. She also thanked Mitsotakis for Greece’s support to Ukraine and solidarity in the face of Russian aggression and for Greece’s contributions to Europe’s efforts to diversify its energy supplies.

The two leaders also discussed security issues in the Eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East.