ATHENS — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Sunday emphasized Washington’s “strong support” for Greece’s commitment to right its debt-ridden economy through tough austerity measures, and she thanked the government for its contributions to NATO-led operations in Libya and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

On her first visit to Athens as secretary of state, Mrs. Clinton said at a news conference that Greece could rely on the United States’ unequivocal support in its efforts to emerge from a debt crisis that has shaken the euro zone and rattled the global economy.

“We stand by the people and government of Greece as you put your country back on a path to economic stability and prosperity,” Mrs. Clinton said, noting that such progress was essential for the United States, too. “We have a lot riding on our relationship together.”

At the news conference, held with the Greek foreign minister, Stavros Lambrinidis, she praised the determination of the government to impose a raft of austerity measures that Parliament approved last month amid violent street protests. She described the initiatives as “vital first steps and acts of leadership.”