Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis held a 50-minute meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Thursday, with diplomatic sources describing the talks as having “took place in a very positive atmosphere.”
According to the same sources, the meeting reaffirmed the depth and durability of the Greece–US strategic relationship. Both sides agreed to move ahead with finalising arrangements for the 6th Round of the Greece–US Strategic Dialogue, which is expected to be hosted in Athens later this year.
Economic diplomacy featured prominently in the discussions, with an emphasis on strengthening trade and investment ties. The two ministers also expressed a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors, including shipping, energy, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Regional connectivity and interregional cooperation were also on the agenda, with particular reference to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was identified as an alternative route reflecting converging strategic interests between Athens and Washington.
The talks highlighted Greece’s growing role as a strategic hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the significance of its bilateral and trilateral partnerships across the region. The future of Euro-Atlantic relations was discussed, with both ministers stressing the need to strengthen and safeguard transatlantic cohesion.
Gerapetritis and Rubio also agreed to step up cooperation aimed at protecting Christian populations in the Middle East. They exchanged views on wider regional developments, including Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative, with a particular focus on Gaza. During the meeting, Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s willingness to contribute to stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in the territory.
The Greek Foreign Minister further briefed Rubio on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue.
This visit marked Gerapetritis’ second engagement with the US State Department during Trump’s second term, following a previous meeting between the two officials in February last year.
Source: Ekathimerini
