U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin

Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press
10/05/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press
10/05/2026 11:33 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Joint Base Andrews


Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press


Remarks

October 5, 2026



SECRETARY RUBIO: Hey, guys, sorry to be late. We’ve got to be quick. Let’s go.

QUESTION: Can you talk about —

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, why did bombers leave Fairford?

SECRETARY RUBIO: What?

QUESTION: Why did American bombers leave Fairford?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, you’ll have to – the Department of War is constantly reallocating resources where they need to be. There’s regular rotations that happen as well, so I think you guys are just —

QUESTION: Is there a threat?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I mean, we’ve documented what happened last week. I wouldn’t directly tie that to the move that was made. The only reason why you guys are focused on how many planes are at Fairford is because of the threat that happened last week, but it’s not unusual to see rotations happen and movement of assets to different parts of the world based on exercises, redeployments, people changing out and new people coming in, new planes coming in, old planes going out. So crews are changing all the time. You guys are just really focused on that now because of the threat last week.

QUESTION: So you still have confidence in British security at the base in general? You —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, we have confidence in the security of all of our bases, because all of our bases are theoretically – could be threatened at any moment, and that’s why there’s so much security built around them. And with the Brits, we’ve worked very closely for a very long time, including on this investigation, and they couldn’t be more cooperative.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, you’re going to Iceland obviously today.

SECRETARY RUBIO: We are? Nobody told me that. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Albuquerque, not Iceland.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah.

QUESTION: Why are you picking Iceland? And what —

SECRETARY RUBIO: They’re a NATO member —

QUESTION: What do you aim to do over there?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Look, they’re a NATO member and have been a good friend of the United States, so it’s an opportunity to stop there and meet with them. And it’s something that I don’t think has happened in a while. So – but it really is a result of a conversation I had with their leaders at the NATO Summit – with the leaders earlier this year and with their foreign minister, so I’m looking forward to it. And I’ve been there before and I don’t know when the last time a Secretary of State went. It may have been a while, but —

QUESTION: 2021.

QUESTION: Was the decision made to send —

QUESTION: Can you speak —

SECRETARY RUBIO: 2021? All right, not that long ago.

QUESTION: — air support into Saudis for (inaudible) —

QUESTION: Wait, wait, hold on a second. Let’s stay with the trip for a moment, if we could. So I mean, Portugal and Greece are also NATO members.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah.

QUESTION: So can you talk a little bit about those two —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, if you go to Europe you’re probably going to go see a NATO member, because most of the countries in Europe are. In the case of Portugal, they’ve been a strong ally, again, and we have an opportunity to go there and visit with them. And of course Greece is a very important U.S. ally. It’s a place that we have not just a military presence but strong economic ties, so it’s an opportunity to go there and see them.

QUESTION: Can you give us an update on the suspected plague case in Russia?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we don’t – we know what we know, obviously, about whatever the Russians have provided, which is it seems that there was a worker at the lab that was infected, and there’s concern that that could have spread, at least internally. So you’ve seen them do quarantines with this – of that nature. There’s very limited travel between the U.S. and Russia, obviously. But like anything else, something like that gets out, it could quickly spread. So we’re watching and monitoring it closely. I don’t think it’s cause for alarm, but it is cause for focus and a cause to just keep an eye on it, and we’re doing that.

QUESTION: Has a decision been made —

QUESTION: What’s your view of the offensive this past weekend in the recent days by the Yemeni Government forces and the Saudi forces against the Houthis in Yemen?

SECRETARY RUBIO: So what’s the question?

QUESTION: The strikes by the – the counterstrikes by the official Yemeni Government and the Saudi – with Saudi support against the Houthis —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah.

QUESTION: What’s your view?

QUESTION: Will the U.S. aid provide air support?

QUESTION: Or is it coordinated with the U.S.?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, first of all the United States – just on the question of aid, the United States has a defense and security agreement with Saudi Arabia and we intend to live by it. I won’t discuss details further than that. As far as our view of it, well, I think it’s – the Saudis and Yemeni forces clearly are not in favor of the Houthis controlling that territory close to the – to the strait there. And it’s territory that was gained as a result of a Houthi offensive, and this is the counter to it. We expected that would happen and that’s what’s happening.

So obviously the Saudis have come under Houthi attack and see the threat that that poses, and they have a right to defend themselves. And obviously the Yemeni forces are going to try to retake territory that they were ousted from.

We’ve got to get going. We’re late. So two more.

QUESTION: But the Saudis are —

QUESTION: Okay. Can you tell us anything —

SECRETARY RUBIO: What?

QUESTION: — about (inaudible) Camp David meeting? Any decision was made?

SECRETARY RUBIO: About what?

QUESTION: The Camp David meeting on Friday.

SECRETARY RUBIO: This weekend?

QUESTION: Yeah.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, we constantly are meeting for long-term strategic planning and things of this nature. It’s not unusual for us as a team to get together. That was just an opportunity to do it in a setting where there were less distractions, but we’re constantly – that’s just part of the role the National Security Council plays —

QUESTION: Yeah.

SECRETARY RUBIO: — is to bring together stakeholders to sort of do long-term planning – six months, nine months, but in many cases five or 10 years down the road. So I wouldn’t call it routine because the topics being discussed are global by nature ,but they are long-term in thinking. So we’ve had many meetings like that before. This one just happened to be in Camp David —

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

QUESTION: Brazil – do you have a reaction for the election in Brazil?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, it’s going to a second round. I think everybody expected that it would, so we’ll see how that plays out.

Last one.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, Russia is calling, urging foreign diplomats —

SECRETARY RUBIO: You got everybody else? He’s already had a question. All right, go —

QUESTION: Well, on the Houthis, sir —

QUESTION: Urging – Russia is urging foreign diplomats in Kyiv to leave the town. What is the U.S.’s position on that?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, they’ve done that now for months. Look, we have an embassy presence there, and we’ll make the determination about whether it’s safe for them to be there or not, but that’s not – I mean, they’ve been saying that now for months. They’ve been warning diplomats to leave for months, and I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone that Kyiv is under attack. I think that’s well understood. But we analyze every single day the safety of every diplomatic mission in the world, and if a threat arises that we feel needs to be addressed by a change in posture, we’ll do so. We haven’t done that up to this point there. Okay? Let’s go.

QUESTION: Thank you.

Secretary Rubio’s Call with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Bayramov
10/05/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Bayramov
10/05/2026 08:30 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesman


Secretary Rubio’s Call with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Bayramov


Readout

October 5, 2026



Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov today to discuss progress in the bilateral partnership since President Trump’s historic peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8, 2025. The Secretary commended Foreign Minister Bayramov for Azerbaijan’s ongoing commitment to peace with Armenia. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed recent advances in bilateral economic cooperation, including the announcement of several commercial deals between U.S. and Azerbaijani companies.

Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Icelandic Prime Minister Frostadóttir
10/06/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Icelandic Prime Minister Frostadóttir
10/06/2026 08:16 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesman


Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Icelandic Prime Minister Frostadóttir


Readout





October 6, 2026



Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadóttir in Reykjavik. The two officials explored new opportunities for U.S.-Iceland economic collaboration, including potential avenues for increasing Iceland’s electricity output, deepening technology cooperation, and increasing cooperation on pharmaceuticals.

Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Frostadóttir also discussed Iceland’s inaugural defense and security policy and reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral defense partnership.





Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir At a Joint Press Availability
10/06/2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir At a Joint Press Availability
10/06/2026 11:06 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Reykjavik, Iceland

Safnahúsið


Secretary of State Marco Rubio And Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir At a Joint Press Availability


Remarks

October 6, 2026



FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: (In Icelandic.) Thank you all for being here. I will not continue in Icelandic, my dear Marco, and thank you especially for visiting Iceland. I think that demonstrates also very well our close connections and good relationship. And it has actually been, from my point of view, a productive morning. I would say so. We started, as you know, at Hofdi House, where we first had the opportunity to hear about the historic summit back almost 40 years ago between President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, and I hope you enjoyed our meeting in Hofdi. I thought there’s a kind of special atmosphere there.

The Secretary and I, then we had an excellent bilateral meeting at Hofdi, and now, just now, we concluded a very good meeting with – here in Safnahusid with our prime minister here in Iceland, Kristrún Frostadóttir. I would say throughout our discussions, they have been good and it has been very clear that Iceland and U.S., the United States of America, we enjoy a very good and strong and also enduring friendship. We share a long history. The U.S. was – as we have already mentioned, the U.S. was the first country to recognize the Republic of Iceland back in 1944. We are both founding members of NATO 1949, and of course we have the valuable bilateral Defense Agreement between our two countries since 1951.

And we are working closely together every day here in Iceland, especially to safeguard the security of the High North, North Atlantic, and the Arctic. For us, being a credible and responsible ally, we take this role very seriously here in Iceland, especially when it comes to the U.S. and the whole of NATO. And this is also very much and strongly reflected in our new policy – and actually the first one – policy and defense and security. It also strongly emphasizes the very important relationship through defense and security with the U.S.

With Iceland and the U.S. both being Arctic nations, the Secretary and I, we fully agreed on the need to work together to ensure a safe and secure Arctic region. And I especially want to commend you, Marco, on how you have taken such a strong initiative to – in making the A7, Arctic 7 group, even more effective than it has been before. And that matters for us here in Iceland a lot.

And we also discussed the agreement that has been found between the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark, and that is also hugely important for the region that we got this good agreement on Greenland.

As we discussed also in both our meetings now today, there are ample opportunities to deepen our economic and investment relations even further – for instance, in geothermal energy. We discussed data centers, pharmaceuticals, as well as digital and other infrastructure. And we also talked about the challenging global context, which is on our minds as Russia full-scale invasion in Ukraine – very brutal, very relentless. And we touched on the dire situation in the Middle East and also we discussed our relations to China.

But above all, the Secretary and I, we had productive and constructive discussions, conversation, and I think the message is very clear. We are allies, we are friends, and we will continue working very closely to strengthen and deepen our good relationship.

So over to you, dear Marco.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you for welcoming here – us here. This is a place that many Americans visit. I think the number that was shared with us as coming in and here today is over 700,000 Americans. Our great ambassador, who’s only been here a couple months but is already doing a great job – so he’s going to get that up to a million American visitors over the next few years, but – with direct flights from multiple cities. And now we see why people want to come here. It’s a beautiful country, a wonderful people, the most peaceful country in the world. It’s one of the safest countries in the world, a country that’s also blessed with abundance of energy that is renewable and self-sustaining.

And so you have so many good things coming and going in your direction, and we’re so happy to be a close partner of yours, as we have been for a very long time. We have tremendous respect for your – the people, and we have tremendous respect for the country and the role that it plays, and it has for a very long time. I mean, for decades this nation in Iceland has occupied a critical strategic position for our collective security, and that remains true today more than ever before.

And while the world’s focus drifted over the last 20 years, the reality is the geography is always important, and we’re seeing that come now to fruition. The location of this country between the United States and Europe and the High North means that it sits at the – Iceland sits at the center of many of the questions surrounding the security and the defense of our shared region.

And today those threats are growing, which is why this focus on the Arctic in general and Iceland in particular is so critical. Our potential adversaries and real competitors already – and the predatory industries associated with them – are already acting as – against our interests. And so it’s important that we continue to cooperate in the security realm the way we are doing and continue to do.

Obviously I think one of the unique aspects of the country – in a positive way, I think – is that you don’t have a traditional military in the traditional sense of the word, but as – but you are a NATO member and you are a contributor to collective security, and you continue to contribute that critical role in our Alliance and share the burden of defending region. And in practice, what that means and has meant for a very long time is you welcoming NATO Allies to come here and to operate jointly within Icelandic territory, and we want to continue to build upon that as a way to prevent conflict – not as a way to encourage conflict or provoke conflict, but prevent it.

History teaches us that deterrence is the best prevention of violence and the best preventer of war. And you play such – have played such a strategic role in the past and continue to play that now. So since the Second World War, Iceland has allowed the U.S. military to project power and collectively working together, using your land, your air, your sea; giving us a critical outpost for monitoring clandestine behavior and deterring our adversaries from entering your sovereign territory and the sovereign territory of our mutual allies.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 U.S.-Iceland Defense Agreement. And I’m proud to say that our military and our Icelandic partners continue to work together to secure this land and the waters that surround it. Just last month, over 1,200 Americans participated along with our allies in the Northern Viking 2026 military exercise, something that’s occurred every year and will continue to occur.

And – but I want to talk a little bit beyond the military and security domain, because Iceland is not just an important security partner; it is a critical partner in our mutual economic interests for the foreseeable future. Your landscapes, for example, have been the training ground for American astronauts since the Appollo program and continues to host training missions for the Artemis missions. Your expertise in geothermal energy and biotechnology and marine industries, those present incredible opportunities for greater commercial and technological cooperation.

We discussed that today and our efforts to perhaps – we are going to work now on building out a group of American industries and present them to investment opportunities that exist here, and likewise identify for your companies here investment opportunities that may exist in the United States. That’s how you continue to build upon the economic bonds that lead to our shared prosperity and our mutual prosperity, so that’s important. So today we discussed concrete ideas about how we can deepen cooperation in these fields and further strengthen our robust bilateral relationship to benefit our people.

So I really look forward to – as I said, we had an opportunity to engage in Ankara earlier this year. I told you I would be coming soon, and I’m here now and I’m happy to have come. This is my first visit here in any capacity. I believe – and we discussed this earlier – it’s probably the first bilateral visit by a secretary of state in a very long time. I know Secretary Blinken had been here as part of a broader gathering earlier, but – and maybe we’ll be able to – but this, I think this is the first time a secretary of state comes in a long time in terms of a bilateral visit, and perhaps it won’t be the last one because of how much esteem we have for your country, for your government, for your people, and for the importance of this relationship.

So really, really happy to be here, really glad I came. And now I know, just in the limited things I’ve gotten to see – because obviously there’s only so much you can see through the window of a hotel and the window of a car, but you can see why people fall in love with this country and you can see why Americans are fascinated by it, and we want to build upon that both in the tourism sector, in the economic sector, and in our enduring security cooperation.

So thank you for hosting me, for hosting us, and thank you for this opportunity to interact with you.

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: Thank you, dear Marco. And actually you saw – witnessed the Northern Lights yesterday. You told me.

SECRETARY RUBIO: I did. Which, as someone from Florida —

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: Yeah. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY RUBIO: — I didn’t know if that was a UFO or what it was, but then I looked at it and I realized what it was pretty quickly. It was very special.

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: Thank you, Marco. Who is going to conduct – yes, yeah.

MODERATOR: Thank you. And we’ll take a few questions from the media now, starting with the Icelandic press. Mr. Hallgrímur Indridason from RUV, the Icelandic broadcasting service.

QUESTION: Thank you. The first question from RUV: In light of the deal that the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark made on Greenland defenses, which included buildup, like, in two more military bases in Greenland, are there any plans for the U.S. Government to have further buildup here in Iceland, whether these are its military base or more surveillance or anything of that sort? Are you increasing your presence in Iceland and —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah.

QUESTION: And the second question from – on behalf of Radio Saga: Do you feel that Iceland poses a direct military threat from Russia? And if so, what makes Iceland vulnerable in that area?

And if I may add a short yes-or-no question, what is your position on NATO membership of Ukraine? Do you think Ukraine should be a member of NATO?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, just on your third point, there’s no yes-or-no answer to that other than to say that Ukraine – right now, NATO membership, as you know, is not on the table as we speak, because there’s obviously a consensus process that has to happen in order for that, a unanimity process that has to happen. Right now, we’re simply focused, when it comes to Ukraine, on the ending of this conflict if that’s possible. And it’s unfortunate the amount of loss of life. We’ve been clear that if there’s a role we can play in bringing that war to an end, we want to play a constructive role. We are obviously watching the trend lines there and seeing that’s not the direction that it’s headed right now.

On your first question which has to do – well, I forgot your first question because you guys, you’re cheating. (Laughter.) You said it was one question and then you got three, so now I gotta write these down.

QUESTION: Military buildup.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, military build – well look, we’d never do anything without cooperating with officials here about what’s available. I think there is a willingness to do more together. And what Iceland contributes really is infrastructure and technology and the ability to have surveillance and opportunity of domain awareness. And it wouldn’t be anything new. I mean, it’s already existed for a very long time. We obviously had an enduring presence here that ended in 2006, not because of anything that was going wrong but because we shifted forces to other parts of the world where we thought there was more crisis.

The reality of it is the world has changed over the last 20 years. Our focus has changed. There’s a lot of focus on the Arctic. I think Iceland plays a very critical role in the defense of NATO writ large. I think Iceland and its location plays a critical role in the defense both of Europe but also of the homeland of the United States because of geography. So we would be open to having those conversations to see what more we can do together. I know there’s interest in doing more together. And obviously, if there’s opportunities that make sense for both countries, it’s something we would pursue.

With regards to direct threats, look, at the end of the day I think we’re all concerned about what’s happening in the High North and in the Arctic region, both from irregular measures, covert measures that are happening, but also threats to undersea cables, threats to shipping lanes. We’re all aware of it, which is why so much attention is being paid to the Arctic region. And it’s something that we have to deal with collectively, not just alone unilaterally but in combination with our partners and allies, which is why we’ve been having these regular engagements with the Arctic 7 countries, and Iceland is a key component of that and a place where we’ve already had a history of cooperating on these matters in the past.

So yeah, I mean, there are direct threats, and those threats in the 21st century aren’t just military threats. They’re also economic and commercial threats that have implications on the national security of our respective countries.

MODERATOR: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Next we will go to Richard Crowley from The New York Times.

QUESTION: Thank you. Michael Crowley with —

MODERATOR: Michael, I’m sorry.

QUESTION: No problem – with The New York Times. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. My questions were going to be similar, so just keying off of what you were just asked.

SECRETARY RUBIO: All right, good, so you don’t need your time for the same —

QUESTION: No such luck.

SECRETARY RUBIO: (Laughter.) All right, go ahead. What’s your backup question?

QUESTION: Regarding Northern Viking, although there was U.S. participation for the first time in the history of those exercises, the U.S. did not participate with ships or airplanes, which I saw was noticed in regional coverage about those exercises. Is that significant? Do you want to explain why that might have been the case?

And last month, there was a diplomatic incident when the Iceland foreign ministry summoned the ambassador over a post by the President on social media which depicted a map showing several nations in the region colored in with American stars and stripes, including Canada, Greenland, and also Iceland. I wondered if you wanted to comment on the significance of that and anything you may have said in your trip here today.

And for the prime minister —

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: Foreign.

QUESTION: — did you find the absence of American forces —

MODERATOR: Foreign minister.

QUESTION: Pardon me. Foreign Minister, do you find the absence of American forces in the Northern Viking exercises to be meaningful or worrisome at all? And do you have any comment that you want to make about the social media posting, and are you concerned that you could be facing a drama like the one that Greenland recently went through with President Trump as far as talk of American acquisition? Thank you, and my apology for misstating your title. Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: That’s an unforgivable error. I mean, I don’t even know if I should answer your question after doing that. (Laughter.)

Look, on the second point, we’re not talking about social media posts. I’m here – we’re here – meeting with a country we work very closely together on, and we do a lot of things together and everything is very positive in our relationship.

So on the first point about ships and airplanes, look, obviously there’s things going on around the world. That’s not a mystery to anyone. It requires us to allocate resources. And sometimes when you are involved, whether it’s in protecting shipping lanes like we’ve had to do in the – because of this terrorist regime in Iran targeting commercial shipping lanes, or the defense of airspace, or the need to backfill what’s happening in the Indo-Pacific as a result of this shift of forces – anytime you have active activities going on in the world, you have to move your assets to that, and sometimes they’re not available for exercises.

So it’s – I don’t think that’s an enduring decision. I think just one that, from the timing standpoint of when it happened, and it overlayed with existing operations around the world. So – but I don’t think that’s enduring. We still had people present. We’re still committed to it. And as I said, I’m visiting here today because this place matters both economically but also from a defense standpoint.

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: Yeah, actually, I have nothing to add to this. He explained – Marco explained very eloquently during our meeting why they needed the forces elsewhere. And I want to underline our really strong cooperation in terms of defense and security, and there is no change in that – what that matters.

What matters about the tweet or the posting from Mr. President, from President Trump, we discussed that, and I mean we have already dealt with that constructively. And we are actually – and yes, you are right, I summoned the ambassador. We were very open about this because we have a very good relationship with the U.S., and we want to continue to build on that relationship.

So that’s why we remain now focused on the future, on the strong and positive relationship between our two countries. And we are looking forward, not backwards.

MODERATOR: Next we’ll go to Andres Magnusson from the Icelandic Morgunbladid.

QUESTION: Yeah. And Mr. Secretary, I’m also asking on behalf of Visir. But this summer, the U.S. asked Iceland, sent actually a questionnaire, about support for U.S. foreign policy priorities. How do you view the Iceland response? And also, in light of how warmly you speak of Icelandic-U.S. relations, where do you think there is space to deepen the relationship? Where could it be strengthened? And if I might add, is the U.S. willing to explore a free trade agreement with Iceland?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, a couple points. On – about questionnaires and things like that, we’re always probing to see where we stand in comparison to what our priorities are and where that is of other countries. You’re never going to have a hundred percent on every issue, but that’s okay. But I would say our alignment with Iceland is generally very concrete. I mean, I think we share the same perspectives of the world. I think we share a lot in common. We have a shared history, which brings us to the conclusion that we identify the same things as threats and the same things as opportunities. And so that’s the way that I view that.

And so in the context of that – what was the second part of your question? Because I need to start writing these things down. These guys come with three-part questions. And – go ahead, I’m sorry.

QUESTION: Well, the second part was about – you spoke warmly of (inaudible), where do you think —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, places to grow. Yeah, so I think —

QUESTION: Yeah. And the free trade agreement.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, look – and the free trade agreement. That one I wrote. That one I did write down.

So on places where we can grow, I think I’ve highlighted some of those for you already today. Look, security is always important, right? Security underpins everything else. If you’re not secure, you can’t be prosperous. So I think there’s no doubt that – but we’re not starting from zero here. We have a history of security cooperation. What has changed is the world and the threats. What the threats looked like 20 years ago, 30 years ago are different than what they would look like today, so we have to modernize.

But we already have a baseline and a foundation of cooperation that extends all the way back for 75 years, so we’re not building something new here. We’re simply modernizing it. So there’s no doubt that on the security realm there’s very – ability to cooperate and continue to cooperate, and not just with the United States but with all of our NATO Allies, particularly those in the High North and that are involved in Arctic defense.

And – but beyond that, I think the economic opportunities are very real. You have very unique companies here that do some very unique things in the pharmaceutical realm, in biotechnology, in a variety of fields that we think there are real opportunities for them to do business in the United States. And likewise, I think there are some business opportunities potentially here that we’d like to present to American investors, which is why what we’d like to do as a follow-up, as a concrete follow-up to my visit here, is organize visits of American businesses here to identify those opportunities and see if there’s some synergy, and likewise invite companies from Iceland to come to the United States and find sectors and areas where they could also invest in our economy or find markets. So I think that’s very positive.

As far as free trade agreements are concerned, look, I think the era of free trade agreements for the foreseeable future is probably not going to be there. I mean not with Iceland but just in general writ large. Where I do think we have real opportunities is a bilateral trade agreement – bilateral trade, a reciprocal trade understanding between our countries. And it’s my understanding that meetings to try to pursue and further that are being organized as already pre-existing to my visit, and hopefully those will be very positive.

And that ties in perfectly to my previous answer to you, which is there are companies here to do very unique things that we would like to see in the United States, and there are companies in the United States that I think could find some real positive economic opportunities to invest and be a part of here. And we just want to – we want to use the government, our embassy, our presence here, your embassy in the United States, to connect and create that synergy. And we will both benefit from it. You’ll become more prosperous, we’ll become more prosperous, and I think it will only bind us together more closely.

MODERATOR: Thank you. And lastly we will go to Shannon Kingston from ABC News.

QUESTION: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, Madam Foreign Minister. A question on – the State Department has assessed that Russia maintains an active offensive bioweapons program. There are also reports now that the FSB is involved in a forceful response to the recent fatal suspected plague death in Siberia. My question for you is – for you both is: Do you see any reason to suspect that what we’re seeing now might be the accidental release of an intentionally modified strain of the plague that was altered by Russia? What is your level of concern?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well look, first of all, anytime you hear that there is some disease that infected someone in a lab anywhere in the world, you’re going to be concerned about it, especially given recent events not so long ago, obviously, in 2021 and 2020 when we saw that happen.

That said, it would be irresponsible for me here to sit and speculate because we just don’t have all the information yet. I think it’s incumbent upon Russia to obviously share more information with the world. That’s what they should do. That’s what we hope they will do. And the more we can learn about what happened, then the better all of us can be in a position of responding. And maybe there’s nothing there. Maybe it’s bigger than we thought. We don’t know.

But I think it would be reckless at this moment given the limited information we still have to speculate about what this might or might not be or what this is or what this isn’t. Suffice it to say we’re watching it very closely, and I think the whole world is watching it very closely, because depending on what we learn about it, we would know how to respond. We already have measures in place to be able to address it if it’s something more serious than what so far has been acknowledged.

Suffice it to say we’re glad to be aware of it. We’re watching it very closely hour by hour. We have multiple agencies not just in the United States but internationally that are watching it. We encourage Russia to be transparent and share more information with the world so that all of us could react accordingly and appropriately, but we’ll have to make those decisions on the basis of the information that we’re learning and are being provided. And so far that’s still quite limited, but hopefully that will change in the next few hours and days.

MODERATOR: And with that we conclude this press conference. Thank you very much.

FOREIGN MINISTER GUNNARSDÓTTIR: Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you.

Press Briefing with Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Pablo Segura
10/06/2026
Press Briefing with Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Pablo Segura
10/06/2026 02:40 PM EDT

Juan Pablo Segura, Press Briefing with Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs

Miami Media Hub

MODERATOR: Good afternoon. I am Natalia Molano, director of the U.S. Department of State’s Miami Media Hub. This is an on-the-record press briefing in English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and Portuguese.

We are privileged to have Juan Pablo Segura, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, joining us from Washington, D.C., to discuss the U.S. position regarding the resolution on Nicaragua discussed today at the Organization of American States meeting of foreign ministers. We will begin this hub call with opening remarks, and then I will moderate questions from journalists.

Assistant Secretary Segura, you may begin your remarks.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: Perfect. Good afternoon and happy Friday to everyone. I will just start with a statement. I think it’s very important to highlight what’s happened today. Nicaragua’s democracy, as we all know, is a fiction, as every member of the OAS just made clear. Just last month, the regime rewrote the constitution to deprive Nicaraguans of free and fair elections and indefinitely – and let me say that again, indefinitely – entrench their illegitimate dynasty.

As we all know, and many of you have reported on, co-dictators Murillo and Ortega violently repress peaceful protests and unjustly detain, torture, and kill political opponents. This has been going on since 2018, as all OAS member-states made clear today that enough is enough. The dictatorship persecutes Catholic clergy and has opted to silence and banish independent media and civil society organizations.

The democratic crisis in Nicaragua is not just a problem for Nicaraguans. The dictatorship endangers our hemisphere’s peace and security, which was a topic that was discussed quite a bit today in the OAS, by facilitating illegal immigration and embracing non-hemispheric security services which support Murillo and Ortega’s repression. Murillo and Ortega give no opportunity for productive dialogue on these issues, which we have highlighted time and time again. Just yesterday, the dictators rejected agrément for our highly qualified senior diplomat, Natasha Franceschi, who is a career State Department diplomat, illustrating their unwillingness to accept even-handed professional diplomatic engagement. And for those that say this is only this administration’s narrative or rhetoric, I will remind those on the line that they also rejected the Biden administration’s career ambassador.

Like I said, everyone knows it – knows this. That’s why earlier today, every country in our hemisphere – some like to report that there’s disagreement, challenges, et cetera. Let me say again: Every country in our hemisphere spoke with one voice to demand the dictatorship release unjustly held prisoners, protect religious freedoms, return confiscated property, and reverse the anti-democratic constitutional changes that fly in the face of democracy and hold free and fair elections.

I would like to applaud the important update on the dictatorship’s human rights violations in Nicaragua offered by Commissioner Rosa María Payá of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The Trump Administration was proud to have nominated her last year – a breath of fresh air – and who as rapporteur for Nicaragua, her remarks today provided an important perspective of the dictatorship’s continued repression and human rights violations.

We seek a free, fair, and democratic Nicaragua, one that fully cooperates with all of our immigration goals, adequately protects U.S. citizens and businesses, and allows U.S. prosperity to expand, rejects adversarial alliances, and respects human rights and sound governance.

Thank you.

MODERATOR: We will begin to take questions from journalists. As a reminder, today’s briefing is on the record, attributable to Juan Pablo Segura, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

We will start with a question received in advance from Jordi Zamora from AFP. The question is: “Is the U.S. ready to join the negotiating group with Nicaragua? Do you know who else is willing to join?”

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: So I think this is very important that the United States is obviously a member of the coalition, the unanimous coalition of countries that have voted to travel to Nicaragua to really see what’s happening on the ground and to report on the ground, and to then be able to come back and work in a coalition, and again, hopefully in a unanimous manner, to then act on a set of consequences for what’s already been reported on, what we already know is true, but to act on the change that we all know needs to happen.

And let me reiterate this again: This is a brutal dictatorship that is stealing, that is lying, that is killing. And we want to make sure that there is no space amongst the countries in the OAS, like we saw today, that this dictatorship is on notice. And I’m very proud of what happened today. This is a great example of what diplomacy can achieve.

MODERATOR: Thank you. Now we’re going to go to Natalia Cabrera from NTN24.

QUESTION: Hello and thank you for taking my question. We certainly celebrate these actions taken – taking forward from the – from the U.S. and the OAS, but we will also like to know if the United States is also taking the same approach with the dictatorship in Venezuela. President Trump has said that he’s working very well with Delcy Rodríguez, but the situation is that they are still political prisoners, even though they are having these conversation with the assembly of 2015. So regarding the return of María Corina Machado to Venezuela, is the U.S. supporting the return of her – her return to Venezuela? Or is it blocking it?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: Well, first and foremost – and I thought it was made very clear at the beginning of the press conference that this is focused on Nicaragua, not Venezuela. I will say, and the Secretary has talked about this dozens if not hundreds of times, that we are very focused on a three-phase plan to stabilize, to create political reconciliation, and to then have transition. There are structural differences with what’s happening in both countries. We recently saw the release of an additional 50 political prisoners over the weekend in Venezuela on top of the more than thousand political prisoners that have been released by the interim government.

Let me highlight what’s happened in Nicaragua, a place where we want to have dialogue. But what happens in Nicaragua? The dictatorship rejects a career bipartisan diplomat in order to send a message that they think that they exist with impunity. And so I think that we are obviously very focused on the conversation in Nicaragua. We believe that the time for ratcheting up the pressure – and it’s not just the United States. It is every country in the hemisphere is agreeing to ratchet up the pressure, as you saw with the vote that happened in the OAS. And a dictatorship in Nicaragua that refuses to acknowledge the brutal things that they have done to their own people needs to obviously have a hemispheric-wide response. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Now I will call on Lucía Pineda Ubau from Canal 15, Nicaragua.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Hello. Thank you. Can you hear me?

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Yes, go ahead. Proceed.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Yes. I just simply wanted to dig a little regarding the agreement with the regime to be able to accept the Ambassador Franceschi and at the end for them to reject her. They had already given their approval and the deadline before she was nominated for the Senate of the United States.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: (Via interpreter) As many of you know, there is a process in – to be able to get the approval for the ambassadors. We at this moment are following this process, and they had not given us the agrément before the process that we began with the U.S. Senate, which, as you know, you need to be confirmed by the Senate for you to be able to be appointed as ambassador to a country.

We wanted to show we wanted a dialogue, a structural dialogue. We wanted a real dialogue. I think that the fact that we presented an ambassador to be able to represent the United States in their country – again, not a political ambassador again, because sometimes people say, oh, it’s a political ambassador. That person has a message, the typical message, this and that. And actually what we did – what the President did – nominated an ambassador, a career ambassador from the State Department, not a political ambassador, not a partisan one. And they still rejected – rejected the agrément of Natasha Franceschi, and that shows that the Nicaraguan Government today does not want this dialogue, and they – and I want to repeat this again: They do not want to dialogue.

MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Now we’re going to a question from Patricia Vasconcellos from SBT.

QUESTION: Hello.

MODERATOR: Go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi. Thank you so much for taking my question. Mr. Segura, how does the United States intend to work with other countries in the region to ensure that the commitments reflected in the resolution translate into concrete actions? What concrete steps does Washington believe should follow from it?

And if I may, a second question. As I am from Brazil, I represent SBT, a Brazilian media outlet. I know this – this is regarding Nicaragua, but if you could address any – the security concerns behind the decisions to close the diplomatic representations in Brazil following the elections that are happening in Brazil this Sunday, if you can address this matter too. Thank you.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: You’re talking about the security incident that occurred last night and today in Brazil?

MODERATOR: There was a notice about closures of the consulates in Brazil.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: Yeah. I mean, like I mentioned, we took security steps, which are very clear in our message and in our – and what happened in Brazil, and so we worked with the security services to deal with a security issue. And so, I mean, that’s all I can share about what happened there.

As it relates to the Nicaraguan resolution, let me kind of highlight what we did today, what all these countries did today. We agreed on a set of demands on the dictatorship to release political prisoners, restore civic space, restore nationality to persons the dictators arbitrarily deprived of citizenship. We demanded that they restore freedoms of expression, allow private-sector organizations to operate, allow independent state institutions, and, most importantly, reverse the illegitimate constitutional changes.

We also adopted and agreed and established a voluntary high-level group determined by foreign ministers to travel to Managua to demand these changes directly to Murillo and Ortega.

Lastly, the resolution proposes reconvening in 90 days following the return of the delegation, keeping all options on the table for holding Murillo and Ortega to account.

Thank you.

MODERATOR: All right. The last question from Uriel Velasquez, Despacho 505 from Nicaragua. Go ahead.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Hello, can you hear me?

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Go ahead.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Hello. Thank you. Well, I wanted to ask regarding how are you – how is the United States going to respond to this refusal of the regime to grant the approval of the ambassador? I was looking for background, and it’s only a very few governments who have dared to reject this appointment.

And another question that has to do with the processes that we are experiencing in the last days regarding the tension against some opposition in Nicaragua. In 2023 it was 222 political prisoners in Nicaragua that were there in the United States, and now some of them are being detained. I wanted to ask if the Trump Administration is considering granting any status to these people so that it can be avoided, we can avoid the return of them to Nicaragua, and see if some of the Congress can be able to assist on this?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY SEGURA: (Via interpreter) If you are regarding all of the deportations of ICE – and this is some of the things that we do.

But regarding your question about what happened with the approval, I can tell you that there is not much precedence of what has happened here. Again, as I said previously, the government and Ortega and Murillo, they don’t want to have a serious dialogue. They are not serious people.

And when it comes to talking regarding the future of the country, we see – we saw, we see – the actions that have taken place with what they have done with the agrément, of the approval. And this is also part of how we are responding. As you have seen, it’s not only the United States; it’s more than 20 countries together exclaiming and giving a direct message that this needs to change. And we are here. I am very proud of what happened in the OEA, in the AO – in the OAS this morning, and there’s a lot more to do, and thank you so much for the question.

MODERATOR: All right. That concludes today’s briefing. Thank you, everyone, for your participation. We will have an audio recording available and a transcript in English with Spanish and Portuguese translations on our website. If you have any questions, you may contact the Miami Media Hub at MiamiHub@state.gov. So thank you, everyone, and goodbye.

# # #


Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the Opening Session of the United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue
10/07/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the Opening Session of the United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue
10/07/2026 06:19 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Athens, Greece

Ministry of Foreign Affairs


Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the Opening Session of the United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue


Remarks
October 7, 2026



FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: Dear Secretary, dear colleagues, it is a great pleasure to welcome and your delegation to Athens for the sixth round of the Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue. Your presence here speaks to the enduring strength of our relationship and to the importance both our countries attach to its future.

Since the launch of the Strategic Dialogue back in 2018, our cooperation has grown steadily in scope and ambition, encompassing defense, energy, infrastructure, digital technologies, law enforcement, maritime affairs, and the close ties between our peoples. The three agreements signed today are tangible evidence of that progress. Our partnership has never been stronger, deeper, or more consequential. It rests on shared values and a common determination to advance peace, stability, security, and prosperity for our peoples, for our regions, and beyond.

We meet at a time of profound geopolitical change. The ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, threats to maritime security in the Red Sea, and the resurgence of a revisionist rhetoric demand resolve, coordination, and a clear sense of purpose. In this uncertain environment, Greece remains a reliable ally and an anchor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the 2025-‘26 term on the United Nations – of the Security Council – and as we prepare to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union second semester of 2027 – we bring that same sense of responsibility to our work. Respect for international law is a guiding principle for our foreign policy and an essential condition for lasting peace.

Greece’s geography places us at the meeting point of three continents. Our history, our longstanding relationships across the region, and the enduring influence of Hellenism allow us to engage with a wide range of partners in good faith and with credibility. This gives Greece a particular responsibility and a practical capacity to connect countries, facilitate dialogue, and build understanding. It also gives our partnership strategic value. Strengthening Greece’s role strengthens the security of the wider region and advances interests we share with the United States.

The Strategic Dialogue allow us to translate this convergence into concrete action. Today, we have an opportunity to carry that world forward across its core pillars. Our defense cooperation has reached unprecedented levels. The Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement has deepened our strategic partnership and strengthened our capacity to address common security challenges.

Alexandroupolis exemplifies the value of this cooperation. A sovereign Greek port and a vital logistical hub for the United States, it contributes directly to the security of nations – of NATO’s eastern flank. Greece’s consistently high defense expenditure and longstanding contribution to the Alliance reflect a simple conviction: Collective security requires every Ally to shoulder its responsibilities. We are committed to further strengthening our defense cooperation, including through procurement, industrial partnerships, and advanced technologies. Our growing collaboration in law enforcement and counterterrorism is equally important to the security of our citizens.

On energy, Greece is emerging as a vital hub for Southeastern and Central Europe infrastructure, such as the Alexandroupolis FSRU. Together with our leading role in the Vertical Corridor, this diversifying supply is strengthening resilience and giving our neighbors greater energy security. The growing engagement of U.S. energy companies, including Severn and ExxonMobil, underscores confidence, increases potential, (inaudible) the opportunities our partnership offers.

Our maritime strength are the third strategic dimension. With Greek-owned vessels accounting for almost one-fourth of global energy shipping capacity globally, Greek shipping plays a pivotal role in connecting energy producers with consumers and sustaining transatlantic energy flows. The transformation of the Greek economy has opened a new chapter in our bilateral relationship. Renewed growth and investment confidence are creating opportunities for American businesses to participate in Greece’s progress.

Investment by leading U.S. technology companies in data centers’ digital infrastructure is helping to establish Greece as a regional center for innovation. Our ambition is to build on this momentum through partnerships that create skilled jobs, support research, and bring new opportunities to the next generation.

At the heart of this relationship, however, are our people. The Greek American community has helped shape America while sustaining a close and abiding connection with Greece. Its achievements in business, science, public service, and the arts are a source of pride for both our nations. Greek Americans have made Greece’s heritage part of America’s success. They embody a relationship rooted in the ideals of liberty, democracy, and the rule of law, ideals that inspired America’s Founding Fathers and continue to give our partnership purpose. Our expanding education and cultural exchanges carry this connection forward, allowing young Greeks and Americans to learn from one another and to build relationships of their own.

Mr. Secretary, I look forward to our discussions today and to the practical results that we deliver. We have a strong foundation and a clear sense of what we can achieve. Today’s discussion will help us turn that shared ambition into practical results. Our alliance draws strength – draws strength from all we have achieved together. Its promise lies in what we choose to do next. Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you. Thank you for this opportunity to be here today for the sixth time a U.S. secretary of state gathers with their counterparts in Greece for this Strategic Dialogue. And I’m happy to be here in Greece for that dialogue. It’s my first trip to the country ever; I didn’t even have a chance to come as a senator. And so I’m happy to be here and to be a part of this Strategic Dialogue.

I want to begin by saying that I hope our presence here today and our work that we’re about to do – and continue to do together – highlights something very important, and that is how critical the historic alliance between Greece and the United States is. And this is especially true now at a time of great global uncertainty, whether it’s the war between Russia and Ukraine, whether it’s what’s happening in the Middle East, whether it’s – meaning in the Straits of Hormuz and, increasingly now, in the Red Sea because of the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

At a time of extraordinary global tumult and global instability, we need anchor partners rooted in a common history. And that is what Greece has meant for the United States and, I hope, what the United States has meant for Greece and what we will continue to mean for each other. This strong partnership, it’s a relationship that spans a variety of fronts – obviously defense and security, our mutual defense and security as allies and partners, but it extends to trade, to investment, to energy. There literally is no – it’s a cultural exchange. There are literally no areas of our societies or of our countries that are not part of the U.S.-Greece relationship, and we seek to build and expand on every single one of them.

Let me begin by saying what is obvious to everyone but should continue to be obvious: Greece is an indispensable NATO partner, an indispensable NATO Ally. It is a pillar of stability in this region, it is a pillar of the U.S.’s presence in this region, and it is a pillar of how we secure our national interest as well as Greece’s in the region. So we are thrilled – part of that, some of the things that aren’t heavily perceived but we’ll be able to be a part of announcing again later today, is we’re thrilled that Greece joins the

U.S. National Guard Bureau of State Sponsorship Program, and they’re doing so with the guard from my home state of Florida. It’s another milestone in our deepening defense relationship.

The U.S.-Greece Economic Security Declaration commits both nations to continue to work with likeminded allies as well to develop secure supply chains. That includes – including critical mineral productions, again another area of very strong cooperation in which our mutual interests are aligned but also in which we’re taking concrete action.

Our energy relationship is reaching new heights, and it continues to expand and grow, and it’s something we’re going to be building on. The Vertical Gas Corridor expansion has cemented in Greece, has cemented Greece as an energy hub and as a secure energy hub, and has facilitated increase in U.S. LNG exports to Europe. That’s something we continue to build on.

Our bilateral relationship as countries, of course, at the end, is founded not just in a common history but in enduring ties of family, of culture, of religion, of a shared heritage. As I’ll speak about later today in what I think is a pretty historic setting, from what I read – (laughter) – it – we are indebted to ancient Greece for its role in shaping not just our country but, frankly, our civilization.

And we – so we’re here today to remember the past because that’s the foundation upon which our relationship is built, but also to focus on the future, because we have incredible things that we can do together. And I’m very grateful to be a part of this, to be – excited to be a part of the Strategic Dialogue and happy to be here on my first visit to Greece but hopefully not my last.

Partnership


Secretary of State Marco Rubio At a State Partnership Program Signing Ceremony
10/07/2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio At a State Partnership Program Signing Ceremony
10/07/2026 07:55 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Athens, Greece

The Conrad Hotel


Secretary of State Marco Rubio At a State Partnership Program Signing Ceremony


Remarks





October 7, 2026



SECRETARY RUBIO: Just a few words to say. First of all, this is a further expression of how close this relationship is with Greece, the U.S.-Greece historic alliance that continues to build in multiple realms – on the economic, on the defense, and in this particular case with our National Guard from my home state of Florida, a National Guard that’s become very proficient at responding to things like hurricanes and, I think, stands to learn from your expertise responding to things such as earthquakes and wildfires.

So, I think there’s a lot of interoperability here that – a lot we can learn from one another. And again, these are the sort of links, and these are the sort of relationships and these are the sort of partnerships that continue to build the building blocks of a modernized alliance, one built on a deep history of working together but one that has unique challenges and exciting opportunities moving forward into the future. And I’m excited to be here and to be a part of it as part of my visit, especially with my home state being involved.

So, we’re very grateful to you and to the ambassador and to your whole team for putting this together.





Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. Embassy Chancery Dedication Ceremony
10/07/2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. Embassy Chancery Dedication Ceremony
10/07/2026 09:24 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Athens, Greece

U.S. Embassy


Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. Embassy Chancery Dedication Ceremony


Remarks





October 7, 2026



AMBASSADOR GUILFOYLE: (In Greek.) Secretary Rubio, Your Grace Bishop (inaudible), colleagues from Washington and from this mission, good afternoon. Today is truly a special day for the United States Embassy in Greece as we inaugurate our new chancellor. In a country where the history of democracy lies beneath our feet, we are proud to dedicate this new building where we work hard every day on behalf of the American people. This ceremony dedicates a building, but it also renews our purpose to advance American interests, protect American lives, and strengthen our alliance.

There is no greater honor than to open this new chapter in American diplomacy with our 72nd Secretary of State and National Security Advisor – and my dear friend – Marco Rubio. Secretary Rubio is a true friend of Greece, and he is a champion of democracy. Throughout his distinguished career, he has stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies to defend liberty across the globe. His visit today shows that the United States-Greece partnership is more vibrant and more vital than ever. Secretary Rubio has been the strongest and the most steadfast supporter of this important relationship for many, many years, going back to his days in the Senate. It is only fitting that he is here to commemorate this historic moment in the history of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Greece.

I am also deeply touched that His Grace the Bishop Theofilestatos Varnavas has joined us today. The Greek Orthodox Church plays an extraordinary role in the spiritual life of both the United States and Greece. Your presence reminds us that everything we do at this mission serves a higher purpose. I now invite His Grace to offer a blessing, followed by remarks from Secretary Rubio. Thank you, God bless you, God bless Greece, and may God bless the United States of Adventure.

(The blessing was made.)

SECRETARY RUBIO: I didn’t want to hurt anyone. (Laughter.) I’m going after (inaudible). How am I supposed to follow that? (Laughter.) Thank you, (inaudible). Thank you so much. Thank you, Your Grace, for this. Thank you, Ambassador, for hosting. Thank you all for being here. It’s – this is one of the Department of State’s most impressive and historic embassies. (Inaudible) to engage in diplomacy with one of our key allies in the world, and I want to thank all of you for doing this, and thank you again for blessing this new workplace. I also want to recognize the five American public servants who have died in the line of duty, victims of the brutal reign of violence of (inaudible) terrorist groups.

Our embassies are more than just buildings. They’re architectural reflections of our country. I mean, that is the first impression that we make in many cases on our host nation. But they also have (inaudible) functional. They should keep the staff inside safe, and they should secure the sensitive documents and the conversations that protect American citizens wherever they are in the world.

But stylistically, when appropriate, they should be designed in a uniquely American way. They should show strength. They should show leadership and an openness to engagement. And this embassy with this marble – it’s the same marble that was used to build the Parthenon – reflects our cultural ties to the region and our reverence for the city’s history and influence on our own nation’s institutions. The completion of these renovations renews that acknowledgement for the ties we share with this land, and also to the high esteem in which we hold the city’s great monuments.

But of course, an embassy is just an empty building without the contents. The completion of these renovations at last bring back together all the embassy staff who have been held at other locations during the years of the construction. Many of you have been offsite for (inaudible) years now, and we in the Department are grateful for your flexibility and your patience during this prolonged process.

I’m very proud to be the Secretary to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and I hope that this building will continue to foster the strong relations between the United States and our host nation, Greece. And just as the Parthenon inspired your architect’s design of this building over 60 years ago, may the history, artifacts, and (inaudible) ruins of the city’s ancient civilization inspire us to remember – and never to forget – our proud Western heritage and values as we conduct our work here. So, thank you. (Applause.)





Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at a Joint Press Availability
10/07/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at a Joint Press Availability
10/07/2026 11:27 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis

Athens, Greece

Ministry of Foreign Affairs


Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at a Joint Press Availability


Remarks





October 7, 2026



FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: (In Greek.)

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. Thank you for your welcome. It’s actually great to be here to have our sixth Strategic Dialogue, which is ongoing, and we’ve begun downstairs a few minutes ago. It’s an event where our two countries commit to continue to work together on a range of issues.

We are two countries that are bound by a common heritage and by proud histories. The United States and Greece share a long history of friendship and partnership and alliance. In fact, the importance of this historical alliance is highlighted by the instability in the world today that we see as a result of conflicts in Hormuz with Iran, or the conflicts in the Red Sea with – in Yemen, or the conflicts in Ukraine and Russia. As you see a world that faces these destabilizing events, you recognize how important this alliance with Greece is to the United States.

It’s both historic – historical in its foundation, but it is also critical. It is a source of stability in an unstable world. And I’m thankful – we’re thankful – that Greece remains a great ally and that we share a common understanding – this is really important – not just a great ally – we share a common understanding of the threats that face our countries, the face – the threat – that face our societies. And we share a common understanding about the means to address them.

One thing we agree on, for example, is that the nations of Europe need to take on a greater share of the burden in defending their continent, and Greece is doing just that. They’re on track to meet the commitments that have been made to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense this year, with over 3.5 of that – of their GDP – percent of GDP being spent on core defense. They’re also joining the National Guard’s Bureau of State Partnership Program, and they’ll be paired, ironically enough, with the Florida National Guard, which will bring our military collaboration even closer.

Greece is also very close strategic partner on border security in the fight against mass migration, against fighting – they’re a great ally as well on fighting transnational criminal organizations, on counterterrorism. Due to its geography in the Mediterranean at the crossroads of many of these transit routes, Greece is particularly exposed to the threats posed by mass migration, by human trafficking, by different forms of terror.

Now, as part of our efforts to combat these common threats to our nations, we’re proud to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding establishing a joint security program to strengthen the counterterrorism information sharing between our respective law enforcement agencies. What we do not wish to see under any circumstances is that the birthplace of the West is threatened by bad decisions, by inactions, by failure to address challenges. And so, this program is going to create stronger, more proactive law enforcement cooperation that could readily stop these threats.

All of these initiatives and more show that Greece is a true and strong and model NATO Ally, a country that understands the importance of burden sharing and is willing to work with partners to address critical threats to all member-states. Beyond the scope of military operations – because that is not the only part of our relationship that is important – Greece is an important partner in securing the Alliance’s economic future as well. It plays a vital role in global commerce in a variety of ways and in a variety of industries.

For example, we share a mutual intent to deepen our collaboration on emerging technology, and we intend to expand U.S. LNG imports and building new gas and electricity interconnectors that strengthen regional energy security and our respective bilateral energy infrastructure.

And finally, we’re working together to combat antiquities trafficking into the United States, which finances criminal organizations and harms the U.S. art market. This is an important issue for both of our countries, as we in the U.S. value the artifacts of our Western ancestors just as much as the modern Greeks do. The State Department, along with our partners in the – in Homeland Security, the FBI, the CBP are cooperating with Greek law enforcement to safeguard cultural property across the Mediterranean to protect our shared cultural heritage from illicit trafficking networks.

So, today’s Strategic Dialogue, I hope, reflects the strong relationship between our two countries and the breadth of the issues that we’re working together to address. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with you and with your colleagues, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future to secure our nations and protect our core interests. Thank you.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) (Inaudible) Secretary of State. I will now take a couple of questions. Please state your name, the media outlet you represent, and to whom you’re directing your question. (Inaudible) Nikos Meletis (inaudible).

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) My question is for Secretary Rubio. Mr. Secretary, (inaudible) of Europe (inaudible) and the differentiation of energy sources that it is a strategic choice of a U.S. administration. I wanted to ask to what extent can Greece rely on the support of the U.S. on major projects, initiatives it undertakes in this direction? It’s not only the Vertical Corridor. It’s also the ExxonMobil operations, the (inaudible) relations out of Crete, big interconnection (inaudible) interconnection projects of Greece and Egypt, and the other major projects (inaudible) developed a connection between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I can tell you we’re very committed – I guess the other people in the room don’t know what you asked. Oh, yeah, they do because they’re hearing it on the little radio thing, okay. I was about to tell you what he asked me, but you know. So, look, very committed to this. In addition to the security cooperation, I would argue that energy security is tied to national security. And if you don’t believe it, just see what’s happening now world with what Iran is trying to do and failing to do, but trying to do.

So, I think what we have learned is – I think we’ve always known this, but I think recent events reminds us of how it is important to have diverse corridors for energy supply. We can never be in a situation where, if energy is cut off or energy flows are cut off from one part of the world, the whole world is threatened and the ability of nation-states to act in their best interest is compromised by the leverage that one country or a rogue regime could have over them.

So, we’re very committed to all of these corridors and to all of these efforts, and Greece is a great partner to do it with. Obviously, some of the issues you’ve highlighted, some of the things you asked about are tied up and it’s a very delicate situation involving other countries – I won’t say who, but other countries that are involved in some of the things that are complicating that. And I would just say that issues of that nature that are that delicate and are that critical are probably best addressed through private diplomacy outside the realm of press conferences.

So let me just leave you with this. We are very committed to the success of these projects, and we’re very committed to the partnership we have with Greece on energy security, because it’s in Greece’s national interest but it’s also on ours and, I think, is furthering the cause of global security. And on those issues that you raised, I acknowledge they involve some very sensitive and delicate topics, and we intend to address them in proper forum so they can be addressed.

I know – we like to be transparent, but there are things in global affairs that are best not debated at press conferences but handled at the table of dialogue. And by the way, I want to commend your foreign minister for always being someone who’s been out there working very hard to seek dialogue and stability in the world. He’s committed a lot to it personally, and it’s something we appreciate and acknowledge.

MODERATOR: Thank you. (Inaudible) next question. Yes, I believe in the center, Ms. Gazis.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. Olivia Gazis with CBS News. Two questions for you, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY RUBIO: See, they always cheat. My American people – your guy asked one question, and they always ask two – they get one, but they get two. Go ahead.

QUESTION: There’s a lot of news around —

SECRETARY RUBIO: They’re always cheating. We gotta do a rule here. Go ahead.

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: Maximalists.

QUESTION: I know you are both well versed in fielding press inquiries. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, sometimes it’s three – it’s not even two, it’s three. So, she’s being reasonable. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary, yesterday the Vice President said that Iran needed to do something meaningful to its nuclear enrichment capacity. Is that to say that the U.S. is now open to an enrichment capacity above zero in Iran?

SECRETARY RUBIO: I don’t think it means that —

QUESTION: This is my second question, if you don’t mind.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Okay.

QUESTION: If I may, amid increasing congressional scrutiny of Ambassador Guilfoyle’s tenure here, I’m wondering, Mr. Secretary, if you’ve personally reviewed some of those allegations and are confident that all is in compliance with State Department ethics. If you’d like to answer, then I can pose the question to the minister.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Pose what question to the minister?

QUESTION: I’ll just do the third question to the minister, that is – so the only question to the minister.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, she’s got three questions – I told you. Well, I’m —

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: (Inaudible.) (Laughter.)

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, look, on the second question, this is not the forum where we’re going to address that, as simple as that. Suffice it to say our embassy here is doing a great job. Our ambassador has been a strong ambassador here. The questions you’re asking me, we’re not addressing those at press conferences in Greece with the foreign minister and in another country.

That said, on your first question, look, it’s very – I don’t understand what the confusion is about the nuclear program. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, simple, period, and end of story. I’m not going to go into the details about what would be acceptable or not. I can tell you this, that they’re not going to ever have a nuclear program. And anything they agree to that would be acceptable to the United States has to be something that ensures that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. That is what our position is; that is the reason why this began.

And it’s important to understand – and I’ve raised this multiple times; I’ll raise it again – what Iran was trying to do was build up a conventional capability so massive that they would become untouchable. In essence, they would come to the world in a year or two and say: You can’t attack us; we’re going to build a nuclear weapon and there’s nothing you can do about it, because we have so many missiles and so many drones that if you try to do anything about our nuclear program, we will wipe out every country in the Middle East; we will drive the U.S. forces out of the region; we can do whatever we want.

That is what they were trying to achieve. The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, was never going to allow that to happen. He just wasn’t. He addressed something that had been ignored for far too long. And so, he destroyed their drone program, their drone manufacturing capability. He destroyed their missile capability. He severely eroded both of those capabilities in terms of current launchers. He destroyed their navy; he destroyed their air force. They are far less powerful militarily today than they were, and that line of immunity they were trying to hide behind has been erased. They will never have a nuclear weapon, period, not as long as President Trump is in office. And that, to us, is the bright line.

Now, how you achieve that and go forth, I think we’ve got multiple opportunities in the past to reach agreement on those things, and they have failed to do so. Now they’re facing crippling sanctions. Their economy is in total and complete freefall. I’m happy that for the first time, even the media in the U.S. is beginning to cover what a bad situation Iran faces. The Straits of Hormuz are open. There’s always as much oil flowing out now as there was before this conflict began, so they’ve lost complete control of the straits. And their economy – and it’s not – not only are they in freefall now – the Iranian economy is about to reach a place that few countries in the world have been in terms of how bad it’s going to get.

And it’s all the fault – all the fault – of the radical Shia clerics that make the decisions in that country. They are the ones that will put the poor people of Iran in the situation that they’re in, because every dollar and every penny that that regime gets, they don’t spend it on roads or bridges or helping improve the lives of the Iranian people. They spend that money on Hizballah and Hamas and militias that fire rockets out of Iraq – and the Houthis. That’s who they spend their money on. They should have spent their money on their people, and instead they spend their money on terrorism and on weapons. So, hopefully that’ll change. But – yeah, they’ll never have a nuclear weapon.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. We’ll now —

QUESTION: To the foreign minister, if I may. To the foreign minister —

MODERATOR: Excuse me. No, I believe you had your fair share. We need to proceed with the next questioner.

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: That’s okay, if they want.

MODERATOR: Unless my minister —

QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Foreign Minister, for taking the question. As President Trump weighs the potential of renewed strikes on Iran, is consideration being given in Greece to support those strikes from Souda Bay, especially in light of the events at Fairford that demonstrated increased Iranian threats to U.S. assets in Europe? Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: (Via interpreter) (Inaudible) that Greece – Greece is the stance of the principle on (inaudible) those who defend themselves versus the aggressor. In this sense, the Greek state (inaudible) Souda Bay, but became a security provider who provided security to (inaudible) direct threatened to Bulgaria (inaudible) the countries of the Gulf. Now, Greece believe this advances (inaudible) position is in a position to provide security, to be an exporter of security, and be a pillar of stability.

As I was already mentioned, Greece is already a major player in the Red Sea operation under the (inaudible) of the European Union, the speediest operation for the safe navigation of vessels passed through the Red Sea. If it is necessary to participate in additional operations and a framework of greater cooperation that will be (inaudible) passage from the Gulf, it is obvious that Greece will once again be at the forefront.

MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Next question.

QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Good morning. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini newspaper. My question is to the minister of foreign affairs. You’ve already mentioned the operations in which Greece participates in the Red Sea. There are many open and clear requests from the U.S. side for participation in other U.S. initiatives in the Middle East – Hormuz, Red Sea – in the greater regions (inaudible) as well as Greece in terms of participating in such missions. And I wanted to ask you whether you discussed the (inaudible) Greece’s relationship and how this is affecting (inaudible).

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: (In Greek.)

MODERATOR: And one last question, please. I would like to stress the “one” because we are a bit behind schedule.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Good luck. (Laughter.)

MODERATOR: Please.

QUESTION: Thank you, John Hudson with the Washington Post. Mr. Secretary, will the State Department continue telling foreign governments not to facilitate Maria Carina Machado’s return to Venezuela? And a bigger societal question —

SECRETARY RUBIO: What? What are – I can’t – what are you saying? You’re talking like an auctioneer. Slow down.

QUESTION: (Laughter.) I’m just trying to make sure I get everything in.

SECRETARY RUBIO: He’s trying – he’s talking fast because he’s trying to get another question in.

QUESTION: You —

SECRETARY RUBIO: What was your first question?

QUESTION: That is correct. (Laughter.) Will the State Department continue telling foreign governments not to —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Who told you we said that?

QUESTION: That’s widely reported at this point.

SECRETARY RUBIO: It is? By who? Who widely reported that?

QUESTION: Wall Street Journal has —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh. So, if it’s in the newspaper, it’s true? Because I can show you a lot of articles that are in the newspaper that are not true. So, this is – I always love these stories. You guys get somebody to tell you something, then you report it so now it’s an established fact, and then you ask me about it as if somehow I’m responding to something that’s been factually proven. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Honestly, I don’t know. Just because you guys report something doesn’t mean it’s true. You know this, right? I’m sure you know this. Okay. So, the premise of your question is not true.

We’ve never asked anyone not to let anybody else in anywhere in the world. I’ve told – I’ve said this repeatedly about – so I don’t – I know how to answer a question that’s based on something that is false.

QUESTION: Well, how about a bigger societal question —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, okay.

QUESTION: — on artificial intelligence? Where do you stand on the government’s role?

SECRETARY RUBIO: It’s called super intelligence.

QUESTION: I figured you might challenge that —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Okay, all right.

QUESTION: — that language. Where do you stand on the government’s role in preventing Frontier Labs from threatening the future of the human race? And Mr. Minister, where does Greece and the European Union stand on regulating American AI companies?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we have – just on super – it doesn’t matter where I stand on it. It’s not about where I stand – where does the U.S. Government – the U.S. Government has set up a process, as you know. Jay Clayton is running that task force, and it’s going to establish how the U.S. is going to interact with attempts to regulate, attempts to mitigate against the potential downsides of super intelligence, but also the ability to benefit from the good things that it’s going to do.

So, we’ve got a task force set up that he’s chairing, and it has a good group of people involved in it. And there’s where you’re going to find the – and look, this is a new issue. I mean, it’s not a new issue, but it’s an issue that’s rapidly evolved in terms of the consciousness of people and nation-states having to address it. And we’ve stood up a process to do that, as far as the U.S. response is concerned. And we’ll work very closely with our allies around the world as well.

So, I would just refer you to that process and that task force as it begins its work. You saw what the President did last week when they had a gathering of all the leaders in that field. They had a joint declaration that sort of laid out some very broad outlines as to how we’re going to approach this. And the goal is this, as best I could describe it in the most simplistic terms. Super intelligence is going to happen – or what people call AI – is going to happen, okay? It’s happening already. Here’s the question: How do we take the positives of it and harness it in a way that serves the interests of our country? And how do we mitigate or prevent the dangers of it?

And to begin, you have to understand what are the potential benefits and what are the potential downsides. And then what role can government play in terms of a regulatory structure to influence those two things? Highlighting and making sure the positives are enjoyed by our country, mitigating against the dangers, that’s what this process is designed to do, and they’re working very quickly, and they have to work very quickly because that technology is evolving extremely fast.

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: (In Greek.)

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. This concludes the joint press statements and the press avail.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MODERATOR: I will kindly ask that you remain seated for a few minutes.

FOREIGN MINISTER GERAPETRITIS: (In Greek.) Thank you so much.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you.


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue
10/07/2026

Joint Statement on the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue
10/07/2026 01:16 PM EDT



Office of the Spokesman


Joint Statement on the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue


Media Note





October 7, 2026



The following is the text of a joint statement by the United States of America and the Hellenic Republic on the occasion of the sixth U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue.


Begin text:


On October 7, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis presided over the 6th round of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue and held discussions on a wide area of global issues. The two sides reaffirmed their steadfast, long and deep bilateral relations in the context of shared democratic values and Greece’s role as an active NATO ally. Anchoring their discussions in shared priorities, both sides committed to deepen defense ties, bolster trade and investment, and promote cultural ties.


DEFENSE AND SECURITY COOPERATION


Greece and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their longstanding defense and security cooperation. The United States and Greece announced $4 billion in Foreign Military Sales in support of Greece’s long-term defense plan to deepen our interoperability, and to explore future opportunities for defense industrial base cooperation, including on innovative technologies. They finalized Greece’s participation in the U.S. National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program with Florida, and enhanced interoperability through the provision of Stryker vehicles to Greece. Both sides reaffirmed the strategic value of our defense cooperation in support of bilateral and NATO security objectives. They expanded law enforcement and counterterrorism cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to address illegal migration.


ECONOMIC AND TRADE COOPERATION


Greece and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening two-way trade and investment. They recognized the importance of economic security and intend to partner to strengthen investment screening and protect critical infrastructure procurements. With Greece’s status as a Pax Silica signatory, the two sides welcomed growing cooperation in super intelligence, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies. They highlighted deepening energy ties, building on the November 2025 P-TEC ministerial, the Vertical Gas Corridor, and hydrocarbon exploration. They underscored the significance of maritime collaboration and signed an agreement on certification for U.S. seafarers on Greek vessels.


CULTURAL TIES


The governments also signed an extension of their Cultural Property Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to protect cultural heritage and combat illicit trafficking networks. In addition, they announced the United States’ first project in Greece under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation to highlight shared democratic traditions.


End Text.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before their Meeting
10/07/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before their Meeting
10/07/2026 02:52 PM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Athens, Greece

Maximos Mansion


Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before their Meeting


Remarks





October 7, 2026



PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: (In progress) and of course the common interest that we share in preserving the freedom of navigation, which is critical for the functioning of the world economy.


These are just some areas that we have in common. But I’m very happy that the strategic dialogue was able to touch upon all these issues. And again, welcome to Athens, and congratulations on a speech that I think will resonate way, way beyond the place it was delivered.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you. Firstly, thank you for the welcome. You’re okay? Thank you for your welcome and for this opportunity first to speak at such a historic setting. I never thought I’d get a chance to do that. And I thought it was important, but really, more than anything else, it builds on sort of the theme of our visit, which is the historic alliance between the United States and Greece, which is not just historic, it’s historical – it’s founded on very powerful pillars of shared culture, shared values, and it’s only grown, as you said. It’s extended beyond simply defense matters, which have always been something we’ve worked on, and even diplomatic matters, which we’ve always worked on. But now it’s extended to economics, to trade, to international maritime rights and security, to energy. And as you said, you’re – there are a lot of pillars of insecurity surrounding you in this region, but to have you here as such a strong partner of ours and to continue to build on that relationship in a way that’s mutually beneficial – I think there are things we can do on economics, on energy, on trade which are helpful to both the people of Greece and the people of the United States, and we’re always looking for those opportunities.


And the one thing I would say that defines our alliance – because sometimes the term “alliance,” it sounds like it’s just a diplomatic alliance. But one of the things that underpins our partnership – our very strong partnership – is that we agree on the same problems. We agree that we have the same problems that we’re worried about, and we more often than not agree on the right solution. So when you have partners like that – not to mention the strong historic links that are the foundation of our relationship – there’s a lot we’re excited about. And I’m happy to be here, and look forward to continue to build on this relationship.


PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: Thank you.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before their Expanded Meeting
10/07/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before their Expanded Meeting
10/07/2026 03:53 PM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister

Athens, Greece

Maximos Mansion


Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before their Expanded Meeting


Remarks





October 7, 2026



PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS: We kept him a little bit longer, but it was a very, very good, productive discussion. So let me welcome again, also, the whole team, and thank you also for the excellent preparation for the strategic dialogue. I think we’ve made great progress, and we’re very, very happy to build upon a relationship that seems to be going from strength to strength.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you. It’s an honor to be here with you and your team. We spent a lot of time together. And we have in the past as well, and there’s so much that aligns us. We’ve talked about it repeatedly today throughout our events, but we have a very unique historic alliance that has only grown, and now has the opportunity to grow even further – not just in the defense realm, where you’re a model ally, but when it comes to energy, economics, rare and critical minerals, supply chains. I mean, you name it, the opportunities are extraordinary. Energy is obviously a priority, and you’re a great partner on.


And so we value this relationship very much. And I hope that today’s meeting and the strategic dialogue just continues to reaffirm it. And we leave with – from these meetings always with action items that we follow up on to continue to build our relationship and strengthen it.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press
10/08/2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press
10/08/2026 04:06 AM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Athens, Greece

Athens International Airport


Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press


Remarks





October 8, 2026



QUESTION: Are you asking your allies to follow America First policy or to find their own path?

SECRETARY RUBIO: No, I’m asking our allies to be strong. The stronger they are, the stronger we are collectively. That’s always been the theme. We want a strong Europe. We want strong partners in Europe. We have – every country is different. Obviously, they’re making different decisions. But for example, in Greece, in Portugal where we’re going today, there are many countries that have stepped up – frankly, the Germans – who are stepping up and doing their part to be stronger.

The stronger – it’s a very simple concept. It’s not very complicated, guys. NATO is a collection of countries that have created an alliance. The stronger the individual members of NATO are – both societally, economically, and militarily – the stronger NATO is. And that’s what we want, and that’s what we’ve been asking for. And I think there’s good signs in a lot of different places where that’s happening. And obviously, there are some countries that are dragging, and I know they have a lot of domestic pressure, but I think this is good for all of us.

QUESTION: On the reporting about your ambassador —

QUESTION: Is there anything you wanted to – the reporting from The Wall Street Journal that Ambassador Guilfoyle had sought financial —

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, guys, let me tell you something, okay? You guys are going to ask me this. You’re going to ask me again in Portugal. I know the game, okay? The game is someone gives information to a newspaper or a media outlet; the media outlet reports it. You immediately turn to me and say, I need you to respond to our reporting. That’s not the way this process works. Like, our job is not to respond every time someone decides to give the media something without any advance warning, without having any chance to look at it and see what’s in there. That’s not the way – that’s not the way you run an organization, and that’s not a serious way to conduct the policy of our country.

So I’m not going to comment on a story that literally posted a few hours ago. I get the game, okay? I’ve been in this for a long time. Within hours, some member of Congress will write you a letter demanding you answer questions to something we’ve never seen before. I don’t even know if it’s true or not true. So it’s just not going to work that way, and it most certainly is not going to work that way when I’m sitting in another country. All right?

QUESTION: The speech last night, Mr. Secretary —

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, doesn’t that demand an – at the very least an IG investigation?

SECRETARY RUBIO: I am – guys, I’m not playing this game with you, okay? You guys write a story and then your editors tell you, make sure you get a comment from him on something we haven’t seen, okay? You guys are not going to be our only source of information in the world. I’m sorry to tell you that. And so I want you to understand —

QUESTION: (Inaudible.)

SECRETARY RUBIO: No, that’s not the way the process is going to work.

QUESTION: How does the process work then?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, first of all, the process doesn’t work like this. We don’t conduct these things in a press conference on a tarmac in a foreign country because you wrote a story or somebody else wrote a story because some source gave it to you. So get that out of your head, because that’s never the way it’s going to work with me. It’s a game that’s been played for a long time, but it’s not a game we’re going to play. We’re conducting serious business here and we’ll handle things appropriately. I don’t even know if what you’re reporting is true. You guys somehow walk around thinking that because some source told you something and you reported it, it’s the gospel. It’s not the gospel. It’s not the gospel for me. That’s not the way we do it.

QUESTION: What are your feelings as you leave Greece, sir?

QUESTION: On your speech, why did you – why did you feel like it was important right now to deliver the message you did last night? Can you talk about the timing of the speech?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, it’s a consistent message. I mean, the setting obviously is very unique because this is where democracy began. This was where so many of the pillars and the foundations of the West are from. And so it was a very unique setting obviously, and an opportunity to do it. But I think in many ways it also, I think, reinforces our ties to Greece, which is really a model ally, and we wanted to make sure that came across as well.

QUESTION: Are Iranian threats constraining where the U.S. can operate in Europe and within NATO territory?

SECRETARY RUBIO: No. The United States has the ability to operate – there’s nothing we – there is nothing we want or need to do against Iran that we can’t still do.

QUESTION: Can you compare and contrast Portugal and its support for the Iran operation with that of its immediate neighbor, Spain?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Can I compare and contrast it?

QUESTION: Or —

SECRETARY RUBIO: That’s not the purpose. The purpose of our visit is not to start a problem with another country. Portugal is a great ally, a very cooperative ally of the United States, a country with which we already have a solid and growing relationship. And we visit these countries in order to reinforce those ties. That’s the purpose of the trip.

QUESTION: Okay, thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: All right, let’s go home. Well, not yet. We’ve got to stop in Portugal.

QUESTION: All right. Thank you.





Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
10/08/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis
10/08/2026 08:08 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesman


Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis


Readout





October 8, 2026



Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis today, advancing our vital partnership with Greece. They discussed expanding U.S.-Greece energy cooperation, reaffirmed deepening defense ties and regional security issues. They committed to close cooperation to defeat transnational criminal organizations and safeguard critical infrastructure from emerging threats.





Secretary Rubio’s Meetings with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel
10/08/2026
Secretary Rubio’s Meetings with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel
10/08/2026 11:55 AM EDT



Office of the Spokesman


Secretary Rubio’s Meetings with Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro and Foreign Minister Rangel


Readout





October 8, 2026



Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Lisbon today with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel. The Secretary underscored the enduring strength of the U.S.-Portugal alliance, rooted in more than two centuries of friendship and decades of shared service in NATO.

The Secretary thanked Portugal for its steadfast support to U.S. forces and discussed opportunities to deepen defense-industrial cooperation.

The Secretary discussed expanding two-way trade and investment, including through the U.S.-Portugal CEO Forum. Portugal plays an increasing role as a trusted partner for American technology in Europe.

Secretary Rubio looks forward to working with Portugal on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.





Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel at a Joint Press Availability
10/08/2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel at a Joint Press Availability
10/08/2026 01:12 PM EDT



Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Paulo Rangel, Portuguese Foreign Minister

Lisbon, Portugal

Palacio das Necessidades


Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel at a Joint Press Availability


Remarks





October 8, 2026





MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon. We’re going to start the press conference. I will give the floor now to His Excellency Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel.


FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL: Welcome to Lisbon, Secretary Marco Rubio.


(Via interpreter) Portugal and the United States are historic allies which together have enjoyed a lengthy relationship which defends state of law, democratic values which represent the free world, and we have strong links in economy, defense, economy, and culture.


Obviously, I want to once again highlight the 250 years of American independence, remembering that the independence was done with Portuguese wine from Madeira, and we were the third country in the world which recognized the independence of the United States of America. This historic friendship of allies consolidated in ‘95 with the cooperation agreement and defense agreement, which brings together the bilateral commission, which is functioning on a permanent basis. And this bilateral commission has been a diplomatic channel of privilege for dialogue with a legal basis on many areas of our relationships, and with the military presence of the United States in the Lajes air base.


This visit takes place at a time of great, big developments in our bilateral relations, especially in key areas like the economy and tourism. The interest of the United States and of United States citizens and their companies to Portugal continues to grow. In ‘25, United States visitors brought in 11 percent of revenue from tourism, and in the first quarter of ‘26, U.S. citizens were ranked third as visitors to Portugal.


In the economy, our companies increasingly present in the United States, whether in renewable energies, pharmaceuticals, car industry. And we have also increased investment of – United States investment in Portugal like Goldman Sachs, Aquaterra, UPS, IBM, AWS, Google have a very strong presence in our country and obviously the United States, for us, our strategic partner. And as a member of the EU, Portugal is surely one of the countries which is a champion of the priorities that Europe should give to the transatlantic relationship.


As part of that transatlantic relationship, Portugal agrees and agreed with your appeal from the United States for Europeans, members of NATO, to guarantee their responsibilities for their defense. And so we have been made a effort in our budget, which has reached 2 percent of GDP in ‘25, and so a transition of 1.6 to 2 percent in a very difficult year. And we will continue to comply with objectives of NATO, which are the 5 percent objective in medium-term future, with 3.5 in defense and 1.5 in investments related to defense sector. For us, NATO is a fundamental pillar of our defense and our safety, our security, and so is one of our priorities in foreign policy.


Obviously, we continue to believe that our relationship with the United States is fundamental. We have always supported Ukraine, and we believe that the contribution of the United States is decisive in that conflict to reach a long-lasting and fair peace. In the Middle East, we recognize the threats and the risks created by Iran and their proxies. We defend full respect for the integrity of our friends, states in the Gulf, and we have to – essential to recover free maritime movements in Hormuz and total respect for the rule of the sea. And the contribution of the United States is essential to solve this conflict.


When we prepared our mandate for the Security Council, we established relations and contacts with all members of the Security Council and other states of the United Nations, and obviously we have been discussing and preparing our presence with the United States, where obviously the majority of our positions converge.


Today, which is so important for our bilateral relationship, I’d like to welcome you especially – the important Portuguese community that lives in the United States; and they’ve been from one coast to the other – and welcome the new, enormous, and dynamic, visible U.S. citizen community in Portugal that have contributed to a new stage, a new dynamic thrust to our 50-year relationship – 243, in fact. Thank you, Marco Rubio.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, thank you. I almost understood everything he said. I almost – like, I got very close because it’s very similar to Spanish. And so I almost turned this thing off but I said no, let me just finish it. So anyway, but thank you. I appreciate you having me here in your beautiful country, and I’m glad to be here. It’s my first visit ever and I hope it will not be my last. And I appreciate the welcome you’ve given us – not just in this extraordinary setting but the opportunity to meet with you and obviously, of course, to meet previously with – before this meeting with the prime minister.


Our two countries have accomplished many things together in the past, and we look forward to deepening and building that relationship in the future. In the past, for example, we’ve worked very closely on forging the arsenals of our allied forces. We together built your F-16 fleet, strengthening not just our two nations’ security and defense, but frankly strengthening NATO as a result of it. This is through decades of shared maintenance and training and joint operations, and we know that that will continue.


We applaud you, by the way, on the work – and I know it’s difficult, but the commitment that you’ve made that you’re living up to in spending more – and I don’t even want to use the term spending more – in investing more on defense, and for being on track to meet all of the commitments that were made at The Hague in – by the year 2035. And I always highlight this, because people sometimes view this call to invest more in defense as a hostile thing. It is not a hostile thing. On the contrary, what we are arguing is that NATO is important. For NATO to matter, NATO has to be strong. For NATO to be strong, NATO’s member-states need to be strong. And for members – for NATO’s member-states to be strong, they have to have capabilities.


Now, every country is of a different size and proportion. Some countries can contribute more than others. But every country in NATO needs to be as strong as they can possibly be. Because the stronger the members of NATO are, the stronger NATO is, the stronger the Alliance is, and the stronger the deterrence is. NATO exists, more than anything else, as a defensive Alliance that acts as a deterrent against hostility, and it has served us well for decades. And if we want it to continue to serve us, we need to make sure that it is strong.


So we look forward to the burden – to the – we look to share the burden of defense in the future, and we look forward to collaborating on constructing the next generation of weaponry that’s going to be needed and advanced military technology that’s going to be needed in order to deter the adversaries of the future. I believe working together, along with all of our Allies and partners in NATO, we can make our nations and our continents safer from foreign threats and more secure for our people.


Now, I don’t want to focus this relationship solely on our defense cooperation, because what happens between our countries goes far beyond that. And I want to talk a little bit about the economic realm, where Portugal plays an integral role in fostering U.S. commerce and in delivering U.S. technology to the European continent and beyond. As an example, Portugal’s undersea cables, affordable energy, critical mineral reserves, and hyperscale data centers make it the ideal gateway – the ideal gateway from a geographic and economic perspective – the ideal gateway for American technology companies to enter Europe.


I think it’s also important to point to the amount of investment that’s going on in our respective countries. Last year, investors from the United States invested over $20 billion in Portugal. And Portuguese companies invested over $2 billion in the United States, which is a big number for a country of this size. So if you think about that, that’s only going to grow and we have ideas on how that’s going to continue to grow.


And so our governments are going to continue to make the necessary pathways for future investment in the critical industries – things like super intelligence and aerospace and defense and other strategic sectors. And one way we intend to do that, hopefully very soon, is through a CEO forum that I know our ambassador – who is doing a great job – has been working on. It’s a forum that gives businesses in our two respective countries a mechanism to cut through the red tape, cut through any sort of bureaucratic impediments that exist, and turn the existing connections into more investment, into more jobs, into more economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.


Together, we have many opportunities to expand the commercial diplomacy and relations between our two countries in ways that will bring not only profit and prosperity to our people, but I think also bring resilience and the security that comes with resilience against future economic and technological risks.


I also want to point, for a moment, to the number of U.S. travelers that come here. The number is stunning. And what I learned even earlier is that, despite how many direct flights we have from the United States here, if they added more flights they could fill more seats. So a lot of Americans want to come and visit here and not just to do business, but to visit and to see the beauty of your country and all that it has to offer and the richness of its history and so forth, and I hope that that will continue. We also have a growing number of American retirees that are coming here as well, and I hope – that’s an important component, and I know our embassy does an excellent and hard – it’s a hard but excellent job of – in consular services and responding to all of that.


Finally, let me say this. I want to complement Portugal – something we don’t talk enough about, and that is on your growing and successful efforts to combat narcoterrorism, not just in your country but around the world. In the last two years, Portugal has seized nearly 200 tons of cocaine, including approximately – what is that? A robot? Was that – did you see that? Okay. Sorry. I’m easily distracted, guys. We’re talking about cocaine, so let’s go back to that. (Laughter.)


For nearly two years – so 200 – Portugal has seized 200 tons of cocaine, including approximately 47 tons to date in 2026. And they’ve done that in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States. And in addition, Portugal’s been partnering with multiple countries in the Western Hemisphere to combat drug trafficking and transnational criminal drug organizations. So we applaud you and we thank you for your serious response to these threats to national security.


We’ve been partners for a very long time, as you pointed out. Our consulate in Ponta Delgada has been there since 1795. And that makes it the oldest continuously operating American consulate in the world – in the world. So I look forward to future centuries of American-Portuguese collaboration as we create a more secure, stronger transatlantic alliance and foster a more prosperous future for our people. Thank you.


MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Now, as agreed, we will have questions from the press, United States press first, Eric Martin from Bloomberg and then Alex Raufoglu from Radio Free Europe.


QUESTION: Thank you. Thank you, Secretary. Obrigado, Ministro.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, I hate this guy. This guy always speaks the language of the country we’re going to. Do you know Portuguese? (Laughter.)


QUESTION: Um pouquinho.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Okay.


QUESTION: Secretary Rubio, in the economic realm that you just mentioned, the U.S. has encouraged countries in the EU to work to reduce dependencies on China. I’m wondering if that’s something you discussed with Minister Rangel or Prime Minister Montenegro here in Lisbon, or in the meetings with Greek officials this week. And do you and your European counterparts see the challenge differently?


(Via interpreter) One question for Minister Rangel. You have invested in key sectors, including renewable energy. The question of investment in these strategic infrastructure in Portuguese state companies, as Secretary of State has mentioned – are you going to impose new restrictions on these strategic sectors?


Thank you.


SECRETARY RUBIO: What a show-off. This is good? Is it a good – is he good in Portuguese?


FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL: Yes.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Okay, good. I understood. He’s asking basically same question. So let me start first, and that is – look, here’s our thing. Because you focused on China, let me just say it this way. We think it’s not good for us, for Portugal, for any country in the world to present – to depend on any country for 95 percent of anything, your pharmaceuticals, your – we think there needs to be diversity.


And we learned that the hard way during COVID. You saw during the pandemic, there were things that we took for granted that weren’t available to us – not because of tariffs, not because of an embargo, not because somebody – they got cut off because the supply chains were disrupted. And we learned how dangerous it is to be over-reliant on any single part of the world for everything we get. It is why we have spent so much time diversifying our energy portfolio.


And even now recent events remind us that we can’t continue to rely on X percent – large percentage of the globe’s – of the world’s energy coming from a part of the world that’s often finds itself in conflict. So I think there’s a desire on our part, as I think there is on the part of many countries, to diversify where we source things – whether it’s critical minerals or key technologies and things of that nature.


Added to that, there is always the concern that there are certain industries that are so critical to our national security that we have to be careful about who we allow or what kind of companies we allow to invest in our economies. This is particularly sensitive in biotechnology, but it’s also sensitive in telecommunications. Because if your telecommunications are vulnerable to foreign companies that respond to a foreign government’s demands, then you’re – everything you do is vulnerable, because all your ability to communicate.


And by the way, the threats to these things aren’t simply from a trade realm; they’re also kinetic. The undersea cable security – it’s something people don’t think a lot about because you don’t see them. Now, the undersea cables are increasingly being threatened all over the world by bad actors that are trying to access them and cut them in a time of conflict, or even as a point of leverage.


So this comes up in every meeting we do around the world, simply because I think it’s a shared value and a shared concern that we have with many, if not all of our allies.


FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL: Well, I’ll answer you in Portuguese, once you have sympathy to put the question in Portuguese.


(Via interpreter) Just to underline what Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, and for Portugal, the security of underwater cables is essential. There is no meeting in which I’m present where this topic isn’t on the table. It’s one of our major concerns exactly because we are a gateway of many undersea cables which link both sides of the Atlantic.


Also, in answer to your question, as you know, the Portuguese relationship with China goes back 500 years. But investment – investment in Portugal – follows our own screening, and all countries. And that is laid down by the EU. And to answer your question, what happens is that the EU has just approved in July and enforced new rules for screening, for screening investments. And these rules are very sophisticated and demanding more than in the past. And at the moment, several different ministries are working based on this new legislation, which we’ll implement this EU regulation, and which will obviously strengthen our ability to control from the point of view of security, our national interests, and vital interests, whether economic or of another nature. And so that will be implemented as soon as this legislation is ready. And that applies to all countries. So it’s not just geared or directed to one.


So we follow EU legislation and policy in this matter. And they are discussing on a commercial basis their relations with China; there’s a Franco-German proposal. And in that environment, we will follow the EU standards and rules. But as regards investment, we will wait for this new legislation, which will apply to all countries. It doesn’t affect one country or the other; it’s a European legislation, and they’re very similar to what the United States has adopted in this field.


QUESTION: Thank you so much. Alex Raufoglu, Radio Free Europe. Mr. Secretary —


SECRETARY RUBIO: No, no, you have to answer – you have to ask your question in Portuguese. I’m sorry. (Laughter.)


QUESTION: My best in English.


SECRETARY RUBIO: All right. It was worth a try.


QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, yesterday you urged Europe to wake from its long slumber and defend its borders. With Russia today killing at least 33 in Ukraine, threatening Europe beyond its borders, Belarus pressuring Latvia, and a U.S. troops drawdown looming, can NATO’s eastern flank still count on —


SECRETARY RUBIO: U.S. troops what? U.S. troops what? I didn’t hear.


QUESTION: Drawdown looming. Can the Allies rely on American support moving —


SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Well, first of all – yeah – my speech yesterday wasn’t simply about protecting the borders. That’s certainly critical. When I said we want Europe to reawake from its slumber, we want Europe to recognize and remember who we are. We are the West. We have a lot to be proud of in our history and what our civilization has provided to the world. And it’s something not only should we be proud of, we should be defend – we should defend. I don’t just mean militarily defend it; I mean culturally defend it. I mean remember who we are as a nation, remember who we are nations, remember who we are as a civilization. That was the point of the speech.


Now, your question about what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine – yes, this is a very dangerous war. It’s an extremely dangerous war because, frankly, right now it seems to be at a stalemate. And stalemates are very dangerous. Because stalemates only end one of two ways: number one, you have a negotiated settlement, one in which each sides have to give up something in order to get peace. And we have tried, and we will continue to try, and do what we can to facilitate a negotiated settlement to the end of that war.


The other way that stalemates end is through escalation. One side or the other, or both, escalate what they are doing in order to try to break the other side and break the stalemate. And that’s very dangerous. That’s very dangerous in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, because that – that escalation could wind up being a sabotage campaign in neighboring countries that are members of NATO. It could be the strikes that you’re pointing to. It could be a number of other things that could happen that could quickly turn what is a war between two countries into a much broader and far more dangerous regional conflict.


So I think and I hope that the risk of escalation is one of the things that will bring both sides to the table and willing to negotiate a settlement to this war. In the end, we do not believe that there is a military solution to this conflict, to this war. We think this war needs to end in a negotiated settlement, the sooner the better. The United States stands ready to facilitate that. We have tried, we will continue to try, but we’re also not going to invest in pointless processes if we can’t make progress. In many cases, it’s proven to be counterproductive. But we’d love to see a negotiated settlement to this war that is permanent, enduring, and fair. And that’s what we’re committed to continuing to do.


QUESTION:  If I may, the same question goes to the foreign minister as well. If you would like to weigh in of today’s Russia’s deadly attack on Ukraine, I will be grateful. Thanks so much.


FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL:  Well, I think that in my first address, I really answered to your question. So Portugal sees the aggression of Russia as a big danger for the world, for the multilateral system, for the charter of the United Nations, for the international law. We stand by Ukraine in a very, very clear manner. The support in our public opinion is very, very high, probably one of the highest, in spite we are the most distant country from Ukraine in Europe.


Then let me say that we fully agree that there’s a need to a diplomatic solution, and we support all the efforts that the United States that in this moment are, I think, the only interlocutor that is capable to find sustainable and fair peace deal. And so of course we support these efforts and we really would like to have a solution because everybody agrees that the situation is very difficult. We are in a stalemate in terms of the war on the ground, and the attacks, especially to Ukrainian civilians, are becoming more and more aggressive. And so of course this shows that there’s a need to have a ceasefire, and in the meanwhile, appropriate peace agreement where these two countries can live respecting the sovereignty of each one. And that is our message.


MODERATOR:  (Via interpreter) Now the Portuguese part from Reuters and CNN, two Sergios. First question.


QUESTION:  (Via interpreter) Minister, question. The new agreement to replace the old F-16s. So the question is – has the Portuguese Government decided with political criteria or based on political criteria and not just military (inaudible), because some people say about the Portuguese air force prefers the F-35s. And the fact that we have competition from European fighters, does that put the F-35s at a disadvantage in this tender?


(In English) And another question for you, Mr. Secretary. It’s the same question, obviously. Are you confident Portugal will ultimately choose the F-35 to replace its aging F-16 fleet? What advantages can the F-35 offer to the Portuguese air force? And again, are you confident that the F-35 will be chosen?


FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL:  (Via interpreter) Easy answer. The decision hasn’t been taken, and it’s not the foreign minister that will take that decision. It’s all the government, including the minister of defense, that will have to answer your question. But I can tell you obviously Portugal will decide based on our national interest. So the criteria will be the national interest. That will always be the underlying criteria.


Having said that, let me add that obviously we are looking at the United States’ proposal regarding the F-35. We are looking at it in a serious fashion like we look at others. So I can’t add anything else because that’s not my responsibility alone. And as you know, the minister of defense will have a large part in this decision; obviously this will be a whole government collective decision. And because of that I can’t add anything further.


SECRETARY RUBIO:  I would just add the following. Number one is the plane that they decide to buy for their air force to replace the F-16 is going to be up to this government, the elected representatives of the people of this country through the process they select. They’re going to make the decision about what’s best for them.


Now, you’re asking me as the Secretary of State of the United States which plane I think they should buy. We think they should buy the F-35 because we think it’s the best fighter jet in the world. And we – all we ask is a fair chance, and I think we’ll get one, to make a presentation and a proposal that will be very competitive with every other plane that is offered on the table. In the end, they will make that decision. Obviously, I’m not here to promote the airplanes made by some other country, so we want them to buy the F-35 and we think it’s the best plane in the world, and we’ve made these sales.


But this sort of decision is made all over the planet. I mean, many other countries have bought them from us as well. So we recognize they will decide the process by which they make the selection; we just want an opportunity, and I believe we will receive the opportunity to make a very competitive presentation on why we think the F-35 is the best one. But ultimately, they will get to choose, and we’re going to have a good relationship.


Now, I will say there’s advantages to interoperability, having the F-35, because it’s the same system we use and we understand it. But the choice will be theirs to make. We think the F-35 is the best plane in the world. We want them to buy it. We’ll make a very good presentation. But they’ll make the choice.


QUESTION:  Good afternoon, Mr. Secretary. Boa tarde, Senhor Ministro. My first question is for the Secretary of State and it’s regarding the Lajes airfield during Epic Fury. The public attorney has opened an inquiry regarding the use of the air base, and with concerns of violating international laws. And Amnesty International said that Portugal should not support war crimes and the way to war crimes. My question is: You said that Portugal – and you gave an example – didn’t even ask for what was the mission that was passing through Lajes. They immediately gave the authorization for that – those flights that were made by KC-35s refuelings, also F-18 Growlers, also some drones. My question is: Did you inform the Portuguese Government about the nature of that mission? Because those planes flew to Lajes before and after the start of Epic Fury.


SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah —


QUESTION: I would like to —


SECRETARY RUBIO: I got it. So I can’t comment on your public – who was it again? Your public —


QUESTION: Attorney.


SECRETARY RUBIO: — the prosecutor, yeah. Yeah, I can’t comment on that. That’s your internal process, so that’s not up to us to comment on.


I – Amnesty International is a fraud. If you’re asking me what I think what Amnesty International thinks, you know what I think Amnesty International should be focused on? An Iranian regime that murdered, in cold blood, tens of thousands of people in the streets of Tehran and in other parts of the country. What Amnesty International should focus on is how the Iranian regime goes into hospitals – when protesters are injured – and murders the people in their hospital bed, and by the way sometimes murders the doctors or the nurses who treated them. So they should focus on them. Those are war crimes. Those are crimes against humanity, and those are crimes they’re committing against their own people.


As far as your other questions, we have a strong, regulated relationship with Portugal, as we do with every one of our NATO Allies, and we follow those protocols every single time. We follow those protocols. We would never violate the sovereignty of any country. We don’t violate the – that’s not how allies behave. So I’m not going to get into the details of conversations that happened or didn’t happen. Suffice it to say that we have existing protocols that govern our presence here and how we use our bases, and we always follow them out of respect and out of compliance with the agreements that we have with our NATO Allies.


One of the advantages of the NATO Alliance – okay – I’ve been a longtime supporter of NATO, going back to my time in the Senate, because one of the arguments I always made was that NATO allowed us to have a presence in this part of the world, in Europe, that allowed us to project power in a time of crisis or contingency into other parts of the world. That is one of the reasons why NATO is valuable to the United States.


Not every country has sort of behaved in that way in the past. They’ve not understood that in terms of their treatment of us. Portugal’s been a great ally. And we’ve had others that have been great allies, but Portugal has been a great ally. But it’s always been a great ally within the construct of the rules and the agreements that we have in place that regulate our presence here and the use of our bases.


QUESTION: (Via interpreter) (Inaudible) the base in the Azores, the Lajes Air Base, and strengthening your presence in the future and the strategic position it occupies. What’s the (inaudible)?


FOREIGN MINISTER RANGEL: (Via interpreter) We didn’t discuss the future of the Lajes Air Base today. Our agenda was directed to economic issues, trade, tourism, and also dealt with a review of the major international topics. So the bilateral relations in defense, we didn’t discuss it today because we have a bilateral commission that does that, which meets on a regular basis, as I told you at the beginning.


And so it wasn’t discussed today because the agreement in force, the treaty in force between the two countries, has served both parties equally and fairly, so there’s no justification to talk about that. But anything regarding the future will also be dealt with by the permanent bilateral commission, and then it will go on to a political level. We have the right place to discuss those issues, so we didn’t need to do that today. Thank you.


MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) Thank you for your presence. The press conference has come to an end.



The Week at State: October 2 – October 8, 2026
10/09/2026

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October 2 - October 8

On Monday, we celebrate the legacy of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. May his courage and intrepid spirit spur Americans to reach for new frontiers.

Here’s what happened at State this week. ⤵️Secretary Rubio delivered a speech at the Acropolis defending Western civilization.
Secretary Rubio commemorated the horrific October 7 attacks.
The State Department released the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report.


In Defense of Western Civilization

Secretary Rubio delivers remarks from the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, October 7, 2026. (State Dept.)

Secretary Rubio delivered a major address at the Acropolis in Athens, focusing on the defense and preservation of Western civilization. The Secretary emphasized the importance of shared Western values and America’s ongoing commitment to protecting the cultural and democratic heritage that unites allied nations.

“The history of Greece shows us an image of ourselves,” Secretary Rubio said in remarks available to watch on the Department’s YouTube channel. “The story of our civilization is the greatest story ever known to man.”

During his visit to Athens, the Secretary also participated in the opening session of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue and held a joint press availability with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to deepen bilateral security and economic cooperation.


Advancing Security Cooperation in Europe

During his trip to Europe, Secretary Rubio also visited Iceland and Portugal to deepen cooperation on defense and energy security between NATO allies.

In Reykjavik, Secretary Rubio noted the island nation’s strategic importance to the defense of the North Atlantic. “Iceland and its location plays a critical role in the defense both of Europe but also of the homeland of the United States because of geography,” Secretary Rubio said.

“The U.S. and Iceland are working to strengthen security and prosperity in the Arctic,” he said.

In Lisbon, Secretary Rubio met with the Portuguese Foreign Minister to advance defense, economic, and technological cooperation. They also launched the U.S.-Portugal CEO Forum.

“We are turning economic diplomacy into economic opportunity through greater trade and investment,” Secretary Rubio said on X.


Commemorating the October 7 Attacks

The Secretary commemorated the October 7 attacks, when Hamas carried out the most brutal terrorist attack in Israel’s history, killing more than 1,200 innocent people, including 46 Americans, and taking 254 hostages.

“Three years ago today, Hamas terrorists tortured, mutilated, and murdered 1,200 innocent civilians in Israel,” Secretary Rubio posted on X. “We will never forget this act of barbarism against an ally and recommit ourselves to the defense of civilization.”


Release of the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report

The State Department released the 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, detailing the global progress and ongoing challenges in the fight against human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a direct assault on the values of freedom and dignity that define America,” the Department said when they released the report. “The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report reveals new ways criminal organizations and repressive regimes use this abhorrent practice for financial gain.”

The comprehensive report continues to serve as the U.S. government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking, highlighting the administration's efforts to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable worldwide.



News You May Have MissedThe United States and Zambia signed a five-year bilateral Health Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to fight infectious diseases under the America First Global Health Strategy.
The United States and Japan committed to deepening cooperation through the U.S.-Japan Technology Prosperity Deal to advance a secure innovation ecosystem for trusted Super Intelligence.
The State Department announced Operation Economic Outcast, targeting illicit funding in Iran's rail and automotive sectors to dismantle the Iranian regime's revenue streams.
The United States and Japan extended the Science and Technology Agreement indefinitely, signing a protocol to strengthen bilateral research and development cooperation.
The State Department designated Fijian residents as responsible for significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors.


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