The United States and Greece have agreed to deepen security cooperation through a new programme aimed at improving counterterrorism information sharing between their law enforcement agencies, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.
Speaking during an official visit to Athens, Rubio described Greece as a “strong and model NATO ally” and said the two countries faced common security challenges, including terrorism, irregular migration and human trafficking.
“As part of our efforts to combat these common threats to our nations, we're proud to announce a new memorandum of understanding establishing a joint security programme to strengthen the counterterrorism information sharing between our respective law enforcement agencies,” Rubio told reporters alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
Rubio's visit coincided with the sixth round of the Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, which the two foreign ministers formally opened in Athens following bilateral talks. Greece's Foreign Ministry had said the meeting would be followed by a plenary session of the dialogue.
Security and law-enforcement cooperation have long formed part of the bilateral relationship. Previous rounds of the Strategic Dialogue have covered counterterrorism, organised crime, trafficking, cybersecurity and cooperation between law-enforcement authorities.
The two countries also have an existing agreement on enhancing cooperation to prevent and combat serious crime, including terrorism, which provides for the exchange of information between their authorities.
Greece is a longstanding NATO member and provides the United States with access to strategically important military facilities, including sites used to support operations and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Athens also plays an active role in maritime security. Greece has been involved in European efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and has repeatedly highlighted the importance of safeguarding international maritime routes.
During Wednesday's talks, Gerapetritis said Greece was prepared to cooperate with the United States and provide maritime assistance in the Strait of Hormuz if a viable peace process emerged there.
Maritime security has become an increasingly prominent element of Greek foreign policy, with Athens emphasising the protection of commercial shipping and freedom of navigation in international waters.
Rubio was also questioned about U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle following concerns raised by U.S. senators over allegations that she had threatened that Washington could use its influence to undermine the Greek government.
Asked whether her conduct complied with State Department ethics rules, Rubio defended the embassy's work.
“Suffice it to say, our embassy here is doing a great job. Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here,” he said.
The security agreement and Rubio's visit come as Washington and Athens seek to strengthen a partnership that encompasses defence, law enforcement, energy, maritime security and regional stability.
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