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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle for advancing the Trump administration\u2019s agenda in Greece and southeastern Europe, days before his first official visit to Athens as secretary of state.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmbassador Guilfoyle has been an incredibly effective advocate for the President\u2019s agenda in Greece and across Europe,\u201d Rubio said in a statement shared on social media by the US Embassy in Athens.<\/p>\n
Rubio also highlighted Guilfoyle\u2019s role in promoting US energy interests in the region, pointing to projects such as the Vertical Energy Corridor, which aims to strengthen regional energy connections and facilitate the movement of natural gas across southeastern Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Trump and I greatly value the ambassador\u2019s pivotal work and leadership in the region. She has successfully advanced US energy interests in Greece and across southeastern Europe through regional projects like the bipartisan Vertical Energy Corridor,\u201d Rubio added.<\/p>\n
Rubio\u2019s endorsement comes shortly after an investigation by The Wall Street Journal<\/em> raised questions about Guilfoyle\u2019s dealings with a Greek energy and construction company and a lobbyist who has accompanied her to meetings with senior foreign officials.<\/p>\n The report also examined her involvement in promoting US liquefied natural gas deals across southeastern Europe, where Washington has sought to expand American energy exports and strengthen commercial ties with regional partners.<\/p>\n The reported connections have drawn attention to the intersection of diplomatic engagement, energy policy and private-sector interests as the United States seeks a greater role in the region\u2019s energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n Greece is preparing to host Rubio on October 6 and 7 for talks expected to cover bilateral relations, energy cooperation and regional security.<\/p>\n The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and growing attention to southeastern Europe\u2019s strategic importance as an energy transit region.<\/p>\n The Vertical Energy Corridor is part of broader efforts to connect gas infrastructure across the region and improve access to alternative supplies, including liquefied natural gas imported through Greece.<\/p>\n Rubio\u2019s trip will mark his first visit to Greece as US secretary of state, providing an opportunity for Washington and Athens to discuss their strategic partnership and shared interests in energy security and regional stability.<\/p>\nRubio to visit Athens on October 6 and 7<\/h2>\n