U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Greece to engage in discussions aimed at bolstering strategic and defense cooperation between the two nations. His visit comes as Greece and the United States prepare for the sixth round of their Strategic Dialogue, set to take place on Wednesday at the Greek Foreign Ministry. These talks are expected to cover a range of topics including regional security, defense, energy, shipping, technology, trade, investment, and law enforcement.
One of the primary focuses of the discussions will be defense cooperation. The two countries are anticipated to finalize agreements regarding the purchase of missiles and self-protection systems for Greece’s F-35 aircraft and upgraded F-16 Viper jets. Additionally, they plan to talk about support for military equipment, which includes Black Hawk and MH-60R helicopters.
Beyond defense, the talks are expected to result in agreements on various other fronts. These include the protection of archaeological materials, collaboration between the Greek Armed Forces and the U.S. National Guard, as well as the mutual recognition of seafarers’ professional certificates. Such efforts aim to deepen the cooperative ties between Greece and the United States in multiple sectors.
In addition to these discussions, Rubio is scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A significant facet of their meeting will focus on strategies to reduce Greece’s dependence on China while exploring opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation with the United States. This aspect of the visit underscores the broader geopolitical strategy in the region.