With a particularly packed schedule, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Athens this afternoon, at a time when geopolitical developments in the wider region remain fluid.
The visit takes on special significance for Greece, as it comes amid intense discussions on regional security, energy, and defense cooperation between Greece and the United States. Rubio will lead the U.S. delegation in the 6th round of the Greece–U.S. Strategic Dialogue.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The U.S. senator’s schedule includes a meeting on Wednesday with Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, after which Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The focus will be on bilateral relations as well as regional developments, with Athens seeking to reaffirm Greece’s role as a stabilizing and security-enhancing force in the region. The 6th Strategic Dialogue is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including defense, energy, regional security, investment, and technology.
One of the most important topics of the talks will be defense cooperation. Athens is seeking to further deepen its military cooperation with Washington, while discussions are expected to address issues related to the equipment of the Greek Armed Forces. Of particular interest is the issue of the F-35s and the armaments that will equip the Greek aircraft, as well as the possibility of acquiring additional U.S. defense equipment.
A significant part of the agenda also concerns energy security. On the table is the so-called Vertical Corridor, which aims to transport U.S. LNG to the Balkans and Eastern Europe, with Greece seeking a pivotal role in the region’s energy interconnection.
At the same time, discussions are expected to focus on hydrocarbon exploration in the offshore blocks that Greece has granted to U.S. companies, such as ExxonMobil and Chevron. The energy agenda takes on even greater significance due to broader regional developments and the reactions expressed by Libya.
The Greek side is expected to seek a clear U.S. message in support of stability in the region and Greece’s strategic importance. The timing is considered particularly critical, as issues in Greek-Turkish relations remain unresolved, while Athens is closely monitoring developments surrounding the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection. At the same time, Rubio’s visit is noteworthy because Athens is a separate stop on his tour and is not accompanied by a corresponding visit to Ankara.
Upon completion of the meetings, a joint communiqué is expected to be issued regarding the 6th Strategic Dialogue, which will outline the progress of Greek-American cooperation and the next steps.
Source: KYPE
