US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Greece on Tuesday, marking the commencement of a significant diplomatic visit aimed at bolstering defense and strategic cooperation between the two nations. The visit aligns with the sixth round of the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, set to take place on Wednesday at the Greek Foreign Ministry, where discussions will delve into topics such as regional security, defense, energy, and trade.
A key focus of Rubio’s visit is expected to be defense cooperation, with discussions anticipated to cover agreements on the purchase of missiles and self-protection systems for Greece’s F-35 aircraft and upgraded F-16 Viper jets. Additionally, support for military equipment, including Black Hawk and MH-60R helicopters, will be on the agenda.
Beyond defense, the dialogue aims to address various other sectors. Agreements are anticipated regarding archaeological material, cooperation between the Greek Armed Forces and the US National Guard, and the mutual recognition of seafarers’ professional certificates, reflecting a broadening of bilateral ties.
During his visit, Rubio is also scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Their talks are expected to touch on reducing reliance on China and expanding cooperative efforts between Greece and the United States, underscoring a shared interest in strengthening their strategic partnership.