U.S. to help Greece return to economic growth, face refugee crisis: John Kerry

The United States will help Greece return to economic growth and face the refugee crisis, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said during his one-day visit to Athens on Friday.

The top U.S. diplomat praised the debt-laden country's efforts to address the six year financial crisis, the escalating refugee crisis this year, as well as a series of other challenges concerning the wider region.

On the agenda of discussions between Kerry and Greece's political leadership were Greece's program to overcome the specter of default and Grexit, the Leftist government's request for debt relief in coming months, as well as regional developments, the Cyprus dispute and energy issues.

"We will do everything we can to see Greece return to growth," Kerry said during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

The U.S. Secretary of State welcomed on his part Greece's cooperation on security issues which were also high on the agenda in the light of the recent Paris terrorist attacks and the tension in Turkish-Russian relations after the shooting of a Russian warplane by Turkish forces on the border with Syria.

"Greece remains a hub of stability in the region," Tsipras stressed during the talks.

In joint statements to the press following talks with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias Kerry acknowledged that Greece faces significant challenges regarding the refugee and migration challenge and pledged Washington's support.

After the revelation that two of the jihadist militants in Paris terror attacks had passed through Greece as refugees the criticism of Greece's overall handling of the refugee crisis by some other European countries has culminated in recent days to scenarios of the country's expulsion from the Schenghen free travel zone.

Kerry stressed that the refugee issue is not a Greek problem, but an international challenge.

The U.S official wrapped up the visit by promising Washington's support speaking in Greek.

"The United States support Greece," he said. Endit