As the global maritime community gathers in Athens for Posidonia, I am reminded of Greece’s enduring legacy as a maritime power, from ancient times to today’s modern merchant fleet. This moment offers an important opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary partnership between the United States and Greece in the maritime sector, and to look ahead at the vast potential for our great nations.The bond between our two nations runs deep, rooted in the shared values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. Two hundred and fifty years ago, America’s Founding Fathers looked to ancient Greece for inspiration as they built a new nation. Today, as we celebrate Freedom 250, the 250th anniversary of American independence, we recognize that our partnership has evolved into one of the most dynamic relationships in the transatlantic space.Nowhere is this partnership more evident than in the maritime domain. Greece commands the world’s largest merchant fleet, while the United States is the world’s largest economy and a critical hub for energy exports, technology, and innovation. Together, we are charting a course toward greater prosperity, security, and energy independence for both our nations and the broader region.Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the United States has called for the restoration of America’s maritime dominance.Our Greek partners have answered this call with enthusiasm and commitment. In February, I was honored to witness the signing of a groundbreaking shipbuilding agreement between Greek and South Korean companies at the Department of Transportation in Washington, DC to invest in revitalizing a U.S. shipyard. Like-minded partnerships like this will revitalize the American shipping industry, creating jobs and economic opportunities across the Atlantic and Pacific while strengthening U.S. and Greek industrial capacity.Greek shipowners and shipbuilders are bringing their legendary expertise, capital, and know-how to American shores. These strategic partnerships demonstrate what can be achieved when two great maritime nations work together with a shared vision. U.S. businesses have no greater champion than the Trump Administration, and I am committed to facilitating even more deals that benefit both our economies.Energy security is national security, and the maritime sector plays an indispensable role in delivering American energy to our partners around the world. At the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Ministerial last November, which brought the largest-ever U.S. official delegation to Greece, we witnessed the signing of the first-ever long-term commercial agreement linking American liquefied natural gas suppliers to this region for decades to come.Greek-owned LNG carriers are essential partners in transporting American energy abundance to markets across Europe and beyond.This cooperation strengthens energy security, reduces dependence on unreliable suppliers, and supports economic growth throughout the region.Last fall, I joined Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Zelenskyy for the historic signing of an agreement that brought American energy through the Vertical Corridor into Ukraine, when it was desperately needed. Greek maritime expertise made this delivery from sea to land possible.Maritime security is equally critical to our partnership. Greece’s entry into the National Guard State Partnership Program, paired with the great State of Florida, opens exciting new avenues for collaboration in maritime security, joint training, and infrastructure protection.The Port of Piraeus recently implemented advanced U.S. scanning technology that will enhance safety and transparency, ensuring that this critical gateway remains secure and that sensitive data does not fall into the hands of unscrupulous actors. These investments protect the integrity of global supply chains that depend on Greek maritime leadership.Looking ahead, the opportunities are boundless. The United States and Greece are also working together on artificial intelligence applications for shipping, infrastructure development, and securing supply chains for critical minerals, all areas where maritime cooperation will be essential.When Americans and Greeks stand together, united by shared values and common purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve.The foundation of our relationship is the incredibly dynamic Greek diaspora community in the United States, including the many successful Greek-American families who have built maritime companies that connect our nations.As we gather for Posidonia, let us celebrate what we have accomplished and commit ourselves to even greater collaboration. Together, we are not just navigating today’s challenges, we are charting tomorrow’s opportunities.