Ambassador David Pearce leads discussion on US-Greece relations

Ambassador David Pearce, U.S. Ambassador to Greece, addressed students and faculty in a conversation about the history and contemporary state of U.S.-Greece relations.

Ambassador Pearce recounted his experiences working as a foreign correspondant before joining Foreign Service desks in Greece and numerous Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. As U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador Pearce revealed his strong connection with Greek history. He delivered a presentation of U.S.-Greece relations, from the founding of the Greek nation through to military junta period and present-day economic concerns.

Ambassador Pearce emphasized the importance of greater economic engagement with Greek businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in the aftermath of the Eurozone crisis that shattered the Greek economy and instigated austerity reforms. He argued that Greek was now in economic recovery mode and advocated for more sit-down time between Greek and American political and business leaders, commending recent attempts to do so. Discussing future economic projects for Greece, Ambasador Pearce underscored Greece's potential to be a communications and energy leader in the region.

Ambassador David D. Pearce was nominated by President Obama to be Ambassador to Greece on June 24, 2013. A 30-year veteran of the Foreign Service with long experience in the Middle East, he earlier held the position of Senior Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and he served concurrently as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.