U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Athens late Tuesday for high-level talks expected to focus on defense, security, energy and broader cooperation between Greece and the United States. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis welcomed Rubio at Athens International Airport, where U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle was also present.
His arrival follows the State Department’s earlier confirmation of Rubio’s visit to Greece for strategic talks. The trip coincides with the sixth Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, which will take place Wednesday at the Greek Foreign Ministry. The talks will cover regional and international developments, defense, energy, shipping, technology, trade, investment and law enforcement.
Defense deals expected during Rubio visit
Defense is expected to play a prominent role as Athens moves ahead with a major modernization of its armed forces. Greek and U.S. officials have reportedly reached agreements involving new American-made weapons for Greece. The planned purchases include missiles and self-protection systems for F-35 fighter jets that Greece is acquiring and its upgraded F-16 Viper aircraft.
The talks come as Greece advances its F-16 Viper modernization and other major defense programs. Further agreements are expected to cover continued support for military systems, including Black Hawk and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
Strategic Dialogue enters sixth round
Greece and the United States launched the Strategic Dialogue in December 2018 after years of discussions over creating a regular framework for bilateral talks. The forum allows officials from both countries to review cooperation across a wide range of areas and identify new priorities. The fifth round took place in Washington in February 2024, during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Rubio is leading the U.S. delegation at this year’s talks.
Welcome to Athens, @SecRubio! 🇺🇸🇬🇷
It is an honor to welcome Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Greece as he leads the U.S. delegation for the Sixth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue. His visit underscores the strength of our alliance and our shared commitment to advancing @POTUS’s… pic.twitter.com/YSkipb5JMd— Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle (@USAmbassadorGR) October 6, 2026
Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting Wednesday morning. The two officials will then make statements to the press before formally opening the sixth Strategic Dialogue. The first plenary session will follow.
Rubio to speak at historic Pnyx
Rubio is also expected to deliver a speech Wednesday evening at the Pnyx in central Athens. The Pnyx served as the meeting place of the ancient Athenian assembly and remains closely associated with the birth of direct democracy. Ancient Athenians gathered there to debate laws, vote on public affairs and hear political speeches. Rubio is later scheduled to meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The visit comes as defense and security remain central to relations between Athens and Washington. Greece is acquiring F-35 fighter jets from the United States while also upgrading its existing F-16 fleet. Greek police have imposed restrictions on public gatherings in parts of central Athens during Rubio’s visit.
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