The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is calling on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reaffirm Washington’s support for Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, as well as their sovereign rights under international law, during his visit to Athens.
In a letter to Rubio ahead of the sixth Greece-US Strategic Dialogue, AHI President Nick Larigakis welcomed the US Secretary of State’s decision to lead the American delegation, noting that his first visit to Greece in his current capacity highlights the importance Washington places on its relationship with Athens.
Larigakis said the Strategic Dialogue, which began in December 2018, has developed into the main framework for coordination between the two countries on defence, energy, trade and regional security.
“Your personal commitment to continuing this Dialogue sends a clear message that the United States considers Greece a strategic partner and a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Larigakis wrote.
Souda and defence cooperation
The AHI president described Greece as a “faithful, reliable and stable ally”, stressing that the country consistently exceeds its NATO defence spending commitments and fulfils its obligations under the Greece-US Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement.
He gave particular attention to Souda Bay in Crete, describing it as an important hub for US operations in the region, particularly amid the war in the Middle East.
According to the letter, US fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, transport planes and special operations aircraft have made extensive use of Souda since hostilities with Iran began in February. The AHI also said Greece has moved a Patriot air defence battery to Crete, strengthening protection for the base.
Energy and the Vertical Corridor
Energy is also expected to feature prominently in Rubio’s talks in Athens.
Larigakis highlighted Greece’s role as an energy gateway to Europe through imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the Revithoussa and Alexandroupolis terminals, as well as through the country’s participation in the Vertical Corridor, which connects the region with Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine.
The AHI also welcomed the launch in June of the US-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center and called for the resources needed to ensure the initiative operates at full capacity.
However, the institute warned that regional energy cooperation continues to face challenges from Turkey, particularly over the Great Sea Interconnector, the EU-backed project connecting the electricity grids of Greece, the Republic of Cyprus and Israel.
The AHI argued that Turkish reactions to work in maritime areas between Crete and Cyprus, including the obstruction of survey operations off Kasos by Turkish warships in 2024, run counter to international law and US interests.
Aegean concerns
Larigakis also expressed concern over Turkish military activity in the Aegean, claiming that Turkish military aircraft and drones have repeatedly violated Greek airspace in 2026, including flights by armed F-16s.
Against this backdrop, the AHI called on the US government to maintain sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system.
“Turkey should not be readmitted to the F-35 programme or receive advanced US weapons systems as long as it continues to threaten a NATO ally and challenge the sovereignty of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus,” Larigakis said.
The AHI urged Rubio to make clear during his Athens visit that the United States “stands firmly with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus” in defending their sovereignty and sovereign rights under international law.
“The United States should make clear that it will not tolerate Turkish efforts to obstruct legitimate energy development, intimidate NATO allies or redraw the map of the Eastern Mediterranean through threats and the use of force,” the AHI president said.
According to the letter, Rubio’s visit comes at a “critical juncture” for the Eastern Mediterranean, while the AHI also expressed support for further strengthening the strategic relationship between Greece and the United States.
