US President Barrack Obama appeared confident that despite the major challenges in the past years, Greece emerge stronger and praised the humanitarian efforts and solidarity demonstrated by the Greek people in the refugees crisis.

Mr. Obama added that the USA looks forward to further developing and strengthening Greek-American ties and cooperation on all levels, underlining that Greece is a valued US ally for peace, stability and democracy in Europe and the Mediterranean.

The American President made the comments during a brief ceremony at the White House, where he received Greece’s new Ambassador in Washington Theoharis Lalakos.