[STARLIT]

Mark-Pres Trump at the West Wing Portico to welcome Greek PM Tsipras to the WH.

"Looks like you're making tremendous strides," Pres Trump whispers to Greek PM Tsipras, as press enter Oval Office for photo op.

Pres says Greece has "gone through a lot" over the years but is "doing a terrific job coming back. They will be back," he tells PM Tsipras.

PM Tsipras says Greece wants to enhance cooperation with the US. Calls his country a reliable partner of the US, a veiled swipe at Turkey.

At start of working lunch, PM Tsipras assured Pres Trump that Greece "is a “pillar of stability” in the region. and invited him to visit.

Rose Garden being set up for Pres Trump and PM Tsipras joint press conference at 130pm/ET.

[STARLIT]

Beautiful speech by our President about Greece and its leader!