Rubio says US, Greece to jointly combat security threats

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated on Wednesday that the United States and Greece are forming a joint security program to enhance counterterrorism information sharing between their law enforcement agencies. During his visit to Athens, Rubio emphasized that Greece is particularly vulnerable to threats arising from mass migration and human trafficking.

He expressed pride in announcing the new memorandum of understanding alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. Greece, a crucial NATO ally to the US, provides essential military infrastructure to bolster security in the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, Greece is leading an EU maritime mission aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Rubio and Gerapetritis participated in the sixth round of the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue, which started in 2018. This dialogue aimed to strengthen defense ties, boost trade and investment, and promote cultural exchanges. As part of the agreement, Greece will receive US$4 billion in support of a long-term defense plan. The funds will be utilized for increasing the interoperability between the two militaries and exploring potential cooperation in defense industrial base ventures.

Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis mentioned that Greece is prepared to collaborate with the US and provide maritime assistance in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly if a viable peace process unfolds there. Regarding US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has faced allegations of threatening the US to undermine the Greek government, Rubio defended her actions, stating that the US embassy was performing admirably and that her conduct had been compliant with state department ethics.