OMM Redaksiyası
The United States and Greece will establish a joint security program to improve counterterrorism information-sharing between law enforcement agencies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on October 7 during an official visit to Athens.
Rubio called Greece a “strong and exemplary NATO ally.” The two countries face shared security challenges, including terrorism, irregular migration and human trafficking, he said.
Speaking to reporters alongside Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Rubio said the two sides had signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the sharing of counterterrorism information between their law enforcement agencies.
Talks held under strategic dialogue
Rubio’s visit coincided with the sixth round of the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue. The two countries’ foreign ministers formally opened the dialogue in Athens after a bilateral meeting. According to Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a plenary session was scheduled to follow the opening.
Counterterrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, cybersecurity and cooperation between law enforcement agencies have also featured in previous rounds of the dialogue. The two countries already have an agreement providing for information-sharing to prevent and combat serious crimes, including terrorism.
Rubio defends US ambassador to Greece
At the meeting, Gerapetritis said Greece was ready to cooperate with the United States and provide maritime assistance in the Strait of Hormuz if conditions became favorable for a peace process. Athens identifies the protection of commercial shipping and freedom of navigation in international waters as important foreign policy priorities.
Greece is a longstanding NATO member and provides the United States with access to strategic military facilities used to support operations and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. Athens also participates in European initiatives aimed at protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Reporters also asked Rubio about Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece. The questions followed reports that US senators had raised concerns over allegations that the ambassador threatened to use Washington’s influence to undermine the Greek government.
Asked whether the State Department’s ethics rules had been followed, Rubio defended the work of the US Embassy. “Let me just say that our embassy here is working very well. Our ambassador has done a strong job here,” he said.
The United States and Greece are seeking to strengthen their partnership across defense, law enforcement, energy, maritime security and regional stability. Their strategic dialogue provides a framework for consultations on these shared priorities.
