Kimberly Guilfoyle, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, arrived in Athens on Friday, November 1, aboard a private flight, as diplomatic protocol dictates. Her arrival marks the beginning of her tenure as Washington’s top envoy in the country — a posting expected to focus heavily on energy cooperation and transatlantic ties.
Guilfoyle’s first official duty is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, when she will present her credentials to Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas during a formal ceremony at the Presidential Mansion. The following day, she is set to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to discuss the strategic U.S.-Greece relationship, including defense, regional stability, and energy security.
Energy ties at the forefront
The ambassador’s early engagements will highlight energy cooperation, a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. Later in the week, she will attend the 6th Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) forum, held at the Zappeion Megaron in Athens on November 6–7.
The event, co-organized by Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, will bring together U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and 24 European energy ministers. The forum aims to deepen U.S.-EU collaboration on a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy transition.
Warm welcome and public events
A welcome event is planned later in the day at Eleftherias Square, featuring speeches including one by prominent Greek-American philanthropist Eleni Bousis. The evening is expected to blend diplomacy, celebration, and a message of unity.
Guilfoyle will also host a gala celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps at a central Athens hotel. On Sunday evening, she is expected to attend a private event at the “Kentro Athinon” music venue, hosted by popular Greek singer Konstantinos Argyros, whom she reportedly met at a social event in London.
Security measures in central Athens
In anticipation of the ambassador’s public appearances, the Athens Police Department issued a ban on all public gatherings and demonstrations in much of central Athens between 6 a.m. on November 1 and 6 a.m. on November 2.
Authorities cited security concerns, including potential risks to public safety and the possibility of serious disturbances, after a group had called for a protest against the ambassador’s arrival near the Athens Concert Hall. The police statement said the restrictions were imposed “to prevent serious crimes and ensure the smooth functioning of public life in the city.”
