ATHENS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced a new security cooperation memorandum with Greece, covering counterterrorism and information-sharing between the two countries' law enforcement authorities.
Rubio made the announcement in Athens in a joint statement with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, at the opening of the sixth round of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue, which focuses on defense, energy and regional security.
The U.S. Secretary of State described Greece as a "great ally" and a "source of stability in an unstable world," underlining that the country is taking on a greater share of responsibility for Europe's defense.
He also noted that Greece is increasing its defense spending and is on track to meet its commitment to spend 5 pct of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense this year, including more than 3.5 percent on core defense.
Gerapetritis said the modernization of Greece's F-16 fleet to the Viper configuration, and the integration of F-35 fighter jets into the Greek Air Force, would strengthen the country's defense capabilities and bilateral defense cooperation.
Greece is ready to cooperate with the U.S., and if necessary to provide naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz if circumstances permit and there is a viable peace process, he added.
A protest against Rubio's visit and the war in Iran was held in central Athens before Rubio arrived, with participants gathering at the Propylaea and marching toward the U.S. Embassy amid traffic restrictions imposed by police. ■