September 22, 2021
Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens
As delivered
Thank you very much, Minister Mendoni, for these generous and truly warm remarks. Distinguished guests and colleagues, I am very pleased that we have completed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Cultural Heritage between the United States and Greece.
Minister Mendoni, I am particularly pleased to sign this renewal with you, since you were also our counterpart when the Greek government and the US government first concluded this agreement ten years ago, in July 2011. And I cannot imagine a better setting for us to meet and sign this document today than the Byzantine Museum – truly one of Greece’s greatest cultural treasures.
With the renewal of our agreement, the United States reaffirms its commitment to protecting Greece’s fabulously rich cultural heritage. Reflecting the great value and importance of Greek history for all of humanity, this renewal also expands the scope of our previous agreement, to include precious objects and ecclesiastical ethnological treasures up to 1830, shortly after Greece courageously gained its independence.
The timing of this enlargement and renewal of the agreement could not be more appropriate, as Greece celebrates 200 years of independence and our countries together celebrate two hundred years of friendship and alliance.
As you said, Mr. Minister, relations between our two countries are today stronger than they have ever been in all areas of our common efforts. By renewing this agreement, which is an important part of the U.S.-Greece strategic dialogue that Foreign Minister Dendias and Secretary of State Blinken will host in October, we will continue to ensure the protection of Greece’s world-renowned cultural heritage .
The United States is firmly committed to protecting these treasures from looting and trafficking. Fostering collaboration and exchange between our cultural institutions and professionals is at the heart of our work – within the American mission in Greece and in Washington.
By signing this renewal, we affirm our renewed commitment, and I know we have much to be proud of and many reasons to look forward to. So I want to thank you once again for your personal leadership in this effort, and I want to assure you that the United States will continue to proudly stand with the Hellenic Republic.
Efcharisto polite!
