US, Greece Launch New Counterterrorism Security Program

The United States and Greece are strengthening security cooperation with a new counterterrorism information-sharing program between their law enforcement agencies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday.

Speaking during an official visit to Athens, Rubio described Greece as a “strong and model NATO ally” and highlighted security challenges facing both countries. He said Greece is particularly exposed to risks associated with mass migration and human trafficking.

Rubio announced that Washington and Athens had signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint security program designed to improve counterterrorism information sharing between US and Greek law enforcement agencies.

The initiative comes as Greece continues to play a significant role in NATO and regional security. The country provides key military facilities that support operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and leads a European Union maritime mission aimed at protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis also presided over the sixth round of the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue, which was launched in 2018. According to a joint statement, the two governments agreed to expand defense cooperation, strengthen trade and investment, and promote closer cultural relations.

Greece is also expected to receive $4 billion to support a long-term defense plan focused on improving interoperability between Greek and US forces. The two countries will additionally explore opportunities for cooperation between their defense industries.

Gerapetritis said Athens was prepared to work with Washington and potentially provide maritime assistance in the Strait of Hormuz if a viable peace process emerges in the region.

During the visit, Rubio also defended US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following concerns raised by US senators over allegations that she had threatened to use American influence against the Greek government.

Asked whether Guilfoyle’s conduct complied with State Department ethics requirements, Rubio expressed support for the ambassador and the US diplomatic mission in Athens.

“Our embassy here is doing a great job,” Rubio said, adding that Guilfoyle had been a strong US ambassador to Greece.