Souda and defence cooperation<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe AHI president described Greece as a \u201cfaithful, reliable and stable ally\u201d, stressing that the country consistently exceeds its NATO defence spending commitments and fulfils its obligations under the Greece-US Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Energy and the Vertical Corridor<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nEnergy is also expected to feature prominently in Rubio\u2019s talks in Athens.<\/p>\n
Larigakis highlighted Greece\u2019s 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\u2019s participation in the Vertical Corridor, which connects the region with Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Aegean concerns<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nLarigakis 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.<\/p>\n
Against this backdrop, the AHI called on the US government to maintain sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America\u2019s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over Ankara\u2019s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system.<\/p>\n
\u201cTurkey 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,\u201d Larigakis said.<\/p>\n
The AHI urged Rubio to make clear during his Athens visit that the United States \u201cstands firmly with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus\u201d in defending their sovereignty and sovereign rights under international law.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d the AHI president said.<\/p>\n
According to the letter, Rubio\u2019s visit comes at a \u201ccritical juncture\u201d for the Eastern Mediterranean, while the AHI also expressed support for further strengthening the strategic relationship between Greece and the United States.<\/p>\n
![\"Letter](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Letter.jpg\")
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