US Ambassador George Tsunis visits Jewish Museum in Thessaloniki

US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis visited the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki on Wednesday. Tsunis was accompanied by David Saltiel, president of both the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece and of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki.

On Twitter, Tsunis noted that he was “moved by my visit to the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and meeting with President Saltiel to learn more about Thessaloniki’s Jewish past and plans for the Holocaust Museum of Greece, a reminder for us all of the lives lost and our need to stand united against anti-Semitism.” Recently appointed US Ambassador to Greece, George James Tsunis presented his credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, earlier this month.

At the time, Ambassador Tsunis said: “It was the honor of a lifetime to present my credentials as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece to The President of the Hellenic Republic today. We are fully committed to working with the government and people of Greece to advance our shared goals for peace and prosperity.”

I was moved by my visit to the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and meeting with President Saltiel to learn more about Thessaloniki’s Jewish past and plans for the Holocaust Museum of Greece, a reminder for us all of the lives lost and our need to stand united against anti-Semitism. pic.twitter.com/PzJRnkFfkT

— George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassadorGR) May 25, 2022

Greece’s role

Ambassador Tsunis said that though much had been accomplished, the two countries had room to further deepen cooperation: “It’s more critical than ever that the United States and Greece and our transatlantic allies work together. That includes advancing shared goals for strengthening democracy throughout the Balkans. We commend Greece’s leadership role to that end because it fosters regional prosperity and stability. Though we have accomplished much, there is room for us to further deepen our cooperation.” He added that he was fully committed to working with the government and people of Greece, as well as the Greek diaspora, “to advance our shared goals for peace and prosperity, together.”

Referring to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis‘ visit to the United States, Tsunis said he would be accompanying him to the White House, where President Biden will welcome the premier on May 16, before addressing Congress on May 17, by invitation of House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The invitations, he said, were extended to the Greek PM “because what happens in Greece matters – not just for Greece and the United States. It matters for the entire Eastern Mediterranean region, and much more.” He also added that working together “strengthens NATO. It makes the European Union more prosperous and secure,” and that strength and unity is more important now than ever.