Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis referred to a myriad of issues – bilateral, multilateral, regional and global – discussed during 50 minutes of talks on Thursday at the White House in Washington D.C. with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing afterwards in a statement to Greek public television that the 6th round of the Greece–US Strategic Dialogue will be hosted in Athens within the year.
The meeting comes amid Washington’s increasing geopolitical focus on the eastern Mediterranean and developments concerning Iran. In this context, Athens’ role as a “strategic hub” for relations with regional countries was highlighted, given the bilateral and trilateral – i.e. Greece, Israel and Cyprus – partnerships Athens is developing.
At the same time, Gerapetritis said particular emphasis was placed on inter-regional cooperation through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which constitutes an area of convergence for vital interests of both countries.
The future of Euro-Atlantic relations was also discussed, per Gerapetritis, and there was agreement on boosting cooperation to protect Christian populations in the Middle East.
Regarding regional crises, the two sides exchanged views on the situation in Gaza, with Gerapetritis reaffirming the Mitsotakis government’s readiness to actively contribute to efforts for a stabilization and reconstruction of the devastated enclave.
Finally, he briefed his US counterpart on the latest developments regarding the long-standing Cyprus issue.
‘Bilateral relations at the highest possible level’
In his statement outside the White House, the Greek minister said:
“Today I had the opportunity to meet with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, here in Washington, at the White House, for the second time within the past year. We have a very good, very constructive relationship. We speak regularly, both on matters concerning relations between our two countries, and, of course, on international and regional developments. He (Rubio) has excellent knowledge of regional issues, particularly those concerning the eastern Mediterranean. We discussed matters relating to our two countries.
“Relations between the United States and Greece are currently at the highest possible level. We are in a truly excellent position, both in terms of economic cooperation — especially in the energy sector — as well as defense cooperation, trade, and economic diplomacy.
“As regards Euro-Atlantic relations, we had the opportunity to discuss relations developing in a new dynamic environment. The relationship between the United States and Europe is a structural one, developed after the Second World War. It is our shared belief that we must build upon this relationship, and despite any occasional challenges that may arise, it is particularly important that we join forces and promote the ideas that built the West.
“Concerning regional developments, we discussed current issues of interest such as the Middle East, Iran, Ukraine, and Sub-Saharan Africa — all those regions where global risks are presently concentrated.
“Once again, I would like to emphasize that Greece stands at the forefront of international developments, with a firm and consistent voice. We are among those who help shape developments, not merely observe them. With vision for our homeland, with determination and strength, without defeatism, and with confidence.”
