US State Department has described Greece as a counterterrorism leader and an example for other nations, praising Athens for its determination in confronting political violence and terrorist organizations.
A State Department spokesperson also explained why US Secretary of State Marco Rubio placed particular emphasis on Greece in recent remarks at a ministerial conference on the resurgence of political terrorism, according to Kathimerini.
The spokesperson said governments around the world, including the United States, had underestimated the threat of far-left political terrorism for years. Greece, however, recognized the danger and responded with determination and effectiveness.
“Greece has demonstrated great strength and resolve in confronting this threat, even when other countries underestimated it,” the spokesperson said. The official added that Greece had established itself as “a leader in counterterrorism” and “an example for other countries to follow.”
Greece Recognized for Counterterrorism Resolve
Rubio’s remarks highlighted what Washington considers a longstanding difference between Greece’s response to politically motivated terrorism and the approach taken by several other governments.
The State Department spokesperson said many countries had developed a “blind spot” regarding far-left terrorism, which prevented them from fully recognizing the scale and seriousness of the threat.
Greece, by contrast, confronted terrorist organizations directly and maintained its commitment to counterterrorism even when the issue received less international attention.
Washington now points to the Greek response as evidence that governments can address politically motivated violence effectively through sustained security operations, institutional resolve, and international cooperation.
Greece-US security cooperation among world’s strongest
The State Department also emphasized the role that counterterrorism cooperation has played in strengthening relations between Athens and Washington. Joint efforts against far-left and anarchist terrorism helped Greece and the United States build what the spokesperson described as one of the strongest security partnerships in the world.
“By jointly confronting far-left and anarchist terrorism, Greece and the United States have forged a longstanding security partnership that is one of the best in the world,” the official said.
The spokesperson added that both countries had suffered losses as a result of terrorist violence. Remembering those losses, the official argued, demonstrates both the severity of the threat and the importance of international cooperation. The shared experience has shaped bilateral security relations for decades and continues to influence cooperation between Greek and American authorities.
Rubio describes political terrorism as a global threat
The State Department also explained why Rubio referred to terrorist incidents in several countries during his ministerial remarks. Washington views far-left political terrorism as an international security challenge rather than a phenomenon associated with only one country or region.
Rubio cited cases from around the world, including incidents in the United States, to demonstrate the international scope of the threat. The spokesperson said the examples reflected the US position that governments must strengthen coordination, exchange information, and avoid underestimating ideologically motivated violence.
Why Rubio referred to November 17
Rubio also made specific reference to November 17, the Greek terrorist organization responsible for attacks against American and other targets during its decades of activity.
The State Department spokesperson said Rubio mentioned the organization because the United States remains committed to honoring American representatives and employees who lost their lives while serving abroad.
The United States “will never forget” those who died in the line of duty, the official said. The November 17 attacks became a central element of Greece-US counterterrorism cooperation and contributed to the development of closer security ties between the two countries.
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