Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have highlighted the strategic cooperation between Greece and the United States following their meeting at the Greek Foreign Ministry in Athens.
Gerapetritis described Greece as a reliable ally and an anchor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting the country’s geographical position and regional relationships.
He said Greece has the ability to connect countries, facilitate dialogue and build understanding, adding that this gives the bilateral partnership strategic value while strengthening regional security and shared interests with the United States.
Focus on regional security and Alexandroupoli
Gerapetritis said Greece and the US have the capacity to address common challenges, pointing to Alexandroupoli as a key example.
He also stressed that collective security requires every ally to assume its responsibilities.
The two foreign ministers will jointly open the sixth round of the Greece-US strategic dialogue at a central Athens hotel.
Defence, energy and regional priorities
According to the US State Department, Rubio is leading the US delegation for the sixth Strategic Dialogue with Greece, aimed at further deepening bilateral cooperation in areas including defence cooperation, regional security and energy security.
Before departing for his three-country European tour, Rubio said Greece has not only a US military presence but also strong economic ties with the United States.
The dialogue will begin with regional issues, followed by discussions on ties between the two peoples.
New agreements and cooperation
As part of the dialogue, Greece and the US are expected to sign a Letter of Intent establishing cooperation between the Greek Armed Forces and the Florida National Guard. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias will also attend the signing.
The two countries will also renew their Memorandum of Understanding on the imposition of import restrictions on categories of archaeological and ethnological material dating to the 15th century AD.
A separate Memorandum of Understanding will be signed on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates of competency under the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The agreement aims to facilitate employment for seafarers and strengthen Greek-US cooperation in maritime education and training.
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