Greek-American Congressman Gus Bilirakis expressed that Senator Marco Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State under the new Trump administration will enhance U.S. defence and energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Bilirakis pointed to Rubio’s support for initiatives like the East Med Act and the U.S.-Greece Defence and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, both critical for U.S.-Greece defence ties and regional security collaboration.
Bilirakis highlighted the strategic importance of Rubio’s new role, noting that “a more connected and united Eastern Mediterranean will result in greater prosperity, stability, and peace.”
He also recalled that Rubio is actively involved in U.S. Congressional groups directly and indirectly linked to issues concerning Greece. Notable groups include the International Religious Freedom Caucus, the Hellenic Caucus, and the Hellenic-Israel Alliance.
Bilirakis further noted that Rubio was one of the lawmakers who introduced the two crucial bills signed by Trump for the Eastern Mediterranean region: the East Med Act (Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019) and the 2021 U.S.-Greece Defence and Interparliamentary Partnership Act.
“These initiatives bolstered the defence partnership between the United States and Greece, supporting Greece’s military modernisation efforts and multilateral security cooperation among Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States,” Bilirakis stated in his announcement.
Regarding Turkey, Bilirakis expressed confidence that Rubio, as the new Secretary of State, will ensure accountability for Turkish President Erdogan’s actions, specifically by blocking Turkey’s return to the F-35 programme due to its possession of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.
Bilirakis concluded his statement by emphasising that Senator Rubio would be an excellent Secretary of State who would prioritise U.S. interests globally, strengthen alliances, and help foster stability and peace wherever possible.
Source: ANA-MPA
