Tangible results

The Greek prime minister’s visit to the United States is without doubt important. Relations between the two countries are in a very good place and have been for some years now, especially since the obsessive anti-American sentiment that dominated much of Greek politics in the aftermath of the 1967-73 military dictatorship became a thing of the past.

The leader of the main opposition New Democracy party, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has also expressed his support for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s mission, illustrating that some level of mature consensus has been achieved.

For this positive climate to be conveyed to the US and to lead to tangible results, however, the Greek government must in turn also offer tangible proof of its commitment to stronger ties. The prime minister can talk on and on about investments, but these cannot be implemented with officials in key posts who are either opposed to them or inadequate to push them through.