U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Greece on Tuesday to engage in discussions aimed at bolstering strategic and defense cooperation between the two nations. This visit aligns with the sixth round of the Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, set to take place on Wednesday at the Greek Foreign Ministry, where multiple issues such as regional security, defense, energy, shipping, technology, trade, investment, and law enforcement will be addressed.
A significant portion of the discussions is anticipated to concentrate on defense cooperation, particularly agreements surrounding Greece’s purchase of missiles and self-protection systems for its F-35 aircraft and upgraded F-16 Viper jets. The talks are also expected to cover support for military equipment, including Black Hawk and MH-60R helicopters, highlighting the ongoing military collaboration between the two countries.
Aside from defense, several other agreements are on the agenda, including those related to archaeological materials, collaboration between the Greek Armed Forces and the U.S. National Guard, and mutual recognition of professional certificates for seafarers. These agreements illustrate the multifaceted nature of U.S.-Greece cooperation, extending beyond military aspects.
During his visit, Rubio is also scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They are expected to discuss strategies to reduce reliance on China while enhancing the bilateral cooperation between Greece and the United States, further solidifying their strategic partnership.