Rubio announces new US–Greece counterterrorism intelligence-sharing pact in Athens

ATHENS — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Greece and the United States will launch new counterterrorism information sharing between their law-enforcement agencies, calling Greece a “strong and model NATO ally”, Reuters reported.

Speaking during his official visit to Athens alongside Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Rubio announced a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint security programme “to strengthen the counterterrorism information sharing between our respective law enforcement agencies”. He said Greece was particularly exposed to the threats posed by mass migration and human trafficking, and stressed that diverse corridors for energy supply are key.

Rubio described Greece as an important NATO ally that offers key military facilities safeguarding security in the Eastern Mediterranean and noted that Athens leads the EU’s maritime mission protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Gerapetritis said Greece was willing to cooperate with the United States and offer maritime aid in the Strait of Hormuz if a viable peace process exists there.

Rubio also defended US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, saying the embassy was “doing a great job”, after US senators raised concerns over allegations that she had threatened Washington could use its influence to undermine the Greek government.