The US's Greek ambassador has praised the country's shipping industry as emblematic of its people's greatest traits, as he announced cooperation deals.

Geoffrey Pyatt told the SeaNation Conference this week: "Your community symbolises the great potential and resilience of the Greek people.

"The work you do helps to keep the world economy open, dynamic, and free, just as the strength and resolve of the Greek people and the Greek state help bring peace and prosperity to Greece’s neighborhood," he said, according to Athens News Agency.