Defense, Energy and Regional Security Top Agenda
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Athens for the sixth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, with defense cooperation, regional security and energy expected to dominate discussions between the two NATO allies. Rubio arrived in the Greek capital on Tuesday evening after visiting Iceland as part of a European tour.
Rubio is scheduled to meet Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on Wednesday before the two sides formally open the latest round of the Strategic Dialogue. The forum is designed to strengthen cooperation across a broad range of bilateral and international issues.
Broad Strategic Agenda
The talks are expected to cover regional and international developments, security and law enforcement, energy, shipping, technology, trade, investment and defense.
The United States has identified defense cooperation alongside regional and energy security as key priorities for Rubio’s Greece visit. The discussions come as geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East continue to reshape security and energy calculations among U.S. and European allies.
Greece has increasingly positioned itself as an important energy gateway for southeastern Europe, while Washington views Athens as a significant strategic partner in the region.
Defense Cooperation in Focus
Defense is expected to be a major component of the meetings, with Greece advancing major military modernization programmes involving U.S.-made equipment.
The two countries are expected to formalise additional cooperation involving Greece’s armed forces and the Florida National Guard. Discussions are also expected to address continued support for military systems, including helicopters and other U.S.-supplied equipment.
Greece is also moving forward with plans to acquire 20 F-35 fighter jets, while continuing the modernization of its F-16 fleet.
Energy and Economic Ties
Energy cooperation has become increasingly important in the U.S.-Greece relationship. The two governments are expected to discuss energy security and Greece’s role in regional energy transportation and infrastructure.
The Strategic Dialogue will also examine opportunities for greater cooperation in technology, trade, investment and shipping, reflecting an expansion of bilateral ties beyond traditional defense cooperation.
Rubio to Address Western Alliances
During his visit, Rubio is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the Pnyx, an historic site associated with ancient Athenian democracy.
U.S. officials say the address will focus on the future of the Western alliance and cooperation between the United States and Europe amid a new era of geopolitical competition.
Rubio’s Athens visit forms part of a wider October 5–8 European tour that includes Iceland, Greece and Portugal, where he is discussing security, defense, economic and technology cooperation with U.S. partners.
Strategic Partnership Under Scrutiny
The sixth Strategic Dialogue comes at a time when the United States and Greece are seeking to deepen their strategic partnership while navigating tensions across Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The dialogue was established in 2018, with the previous round held in Washington in February 2024. The latest meeting is expected to produce further agreements and commitments aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
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