The first woman Greek ambassador to the United States, Alexandra Papadopoulou, arrived in Washington DC last week to present her credentials to President Donald Trump.
Papadopoulou left her position as head of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ diplomatic bureau to assume the historic role in the US capital.
The announcement via the Greek Embassy in Washington comes only a few weeks following Mitsotakis’ US visit and meeting with Trump.
Trump described Mitsotakis as “an outstanding leader who, through reforms, has substantially contributed to accelerating Greece’s economic growth.”
The president also cited the “excellent, particularly strong and historic relationship between [Greece and the US] which was reinforced by recent positive developments in military, economic and strategic matters.”
Featured image / Joyce N. Boghosian, Official White House Photo
Papadopoulou enters the role with foreign affairs experience dating back to 1981, when she entered her country’s government ministry.
Among other titles, the Athens native served as Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union, Ambassador of Greece to Uruguay and Paraguay and Deputy Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations.
Papadopoulou holds a law degree from the University of Athens and earned a master’s degree in international relations/law as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania.
(Photo / EULEX Press Office)
The new ambassador’s appointment comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Last month, the Washington DC-based American Hellenic Institute sent a letter urging President Trump that “the U.S. must demonstrate strong, unequivocal support of Greece” and continue to strengthen relations by addressing Turkey’s “illegal actions.”
“Greece is an immensely valuable pillar of stability,” the letter stated, citing several US government officials and calling Turkey the “perpetrator of instability in [the Eastern Mediterranean].”
Read the full letter here.
