U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Athens for talks with Greek leaders on energy, defense and regional security. He will also deliver a major speech calling for a “renewal of the Western spirit.”
Rubio arrived from Iceland on Tuesday. He will meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis during his visit.
“Greece is a very important U.S. ally,” Rubio told reporters ahead of the trip. He also highlighted the strong military and economic ties between the two countries.
Marco Rubio in Athens for Energy and Defense Talks
Energy security will play a central role in the talks. Greece wants to strengthen its position as an energy hub for southeastern Europe.
U.S. energy companies have expanded their presence in the country. Chevron leads a consortium exploring opportunities south of the Peloponnese and Crete.
An ExxonMobil-led consortium also plans exploratory drilling in the northwestern Ionian Sea. Drilling could begin in 2027.
Defense cooperation will also feature prominently in the discussions. Greece plans to acquire 20 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
The two countries also cooperate in several other areas. These include trade, investment, shipping, technology and regional security.
Rubio to Address the Future of the West
Rubio will also deliver a speech at the Pnyx near the Acropolis. Ancient Athenians used the historic site for their democratic assembly.
U.S. officials say Rubio will call on Americans and Europeans to renew their commitment to Western values.
Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson outlined the message ahead of the speech. He said Rubio would encourage the United States and Europe to defend their shared heritage.
Rubio will also address growing competition between global powers. He is expected to warn against what the U.S. administration describes as the decline of Western civilization.
His visit has also sparked protests in Athens. Greek police said more than 2,000 demonstrators gathered in the city center on Tuesday.
Authorities increased security around the Greek capital during the visit.
Rubio is visiting Greece as part of a wider European tour. He traveled to Athens after visiting Iceland and will later stop in Lisbon.
