Rubio says US, Greece to jointly combat security threats

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that the United States and Greece are collaborating on a new counterterrorism information sharing program. During a meeting in Athens, Rubio stated that Greece, as a strong NATO ally, is particularly vulnerable to threats from mass migration and human trafficking. Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis jointly announced the memorandum of understanding, which aims to enhance counterterrorism information sharing between their respective law enforcement agencies.

Greece, a key NATO ally, provides crucial military facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean and leads an EU maritime mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea. The two nations agreed to strengthen defense ties, boost trade and investment, and promote cultural ties during the sixth round of a strategic dialogue that began in 2018.

As part of the agreement, Greece would receive $4 billion to support a long-term defense plan and explore opportunities for defense industrial base cooperation. Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis mentioned that Greece is ready to assist the US in maritime aid in the Strait of Hormuz if a viable peace process emerges. Despite concerns from US senators over allegations that Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle threatened to undermine the Greek government, Rubio defended her, stating that the US embassy is performing well and the ambassador has been exemplary.