Rubio says Greece deserves ambassador with Trump’s full confidence
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Greece deserves a strong ambassador who enjoys President Donald Trump’s confidence, stressing that changes in leadership at the US Embassy in Athens should not be interpreted as a downgrading of bilateral relations, according to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
In an interview with Breitbart News, Rubio described Greece as an important US ally, highlighting its contribution to energy independence, regional stability and NATO.
“Greece is an important country, very important. They are a great ally of the United States,” Rubio said, adding that the country was important to Washington’s future strategic priorities.
He stressed that the next ambassador should have the president’s full support and confidence, arguing that the importance of the Greek-American relationship made such backing essential.
Greece’s role in energy security
Rubio highlighted Greece’s geographical position and its support for energy exploration, describing the country as a strategically important corridor connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
He said Greece had significant potential not only to produce energy but also to facilitate the transportation of oil, natural gas and electricity to markets across the region.
“Energy is only as good as your ability to move it,” Rubio said, pointing to the importance of pipelines and other infrastructure in securing reliable supplies.
He added that Greece was well positioned to transport energy northwards into Europe and southwards towards Israel and the wider Middle East.
NATO and regional stability
The US secretary of state also underlined Greece’s importance within NATO and its contribution to regional security.
His remarks highlighted the strategic interests linking Athens and Washington, particularly amid concerns over energy security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region.
Rubio also referred to his speech at the Pnyx in Athens, with the Acropolis in the background, connecting US foreign policy to the shared cultural heritage of the Western world.
Rubio rejects concerns over bilateral ties
Rubio insisted that the change in leadership at the US embassy should not be viewed as a sign that Washington is placing less importance on Greece.
“None of this should in any way be seen as a downgrading of the relationship with Greece,” he said, reiterating that the country remains an important American ally.
He added that selecting an ambassador with the president’s confidence reflected the importance Washington attaches to its relationship with Athens.
