U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) expressed optimism over President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Senator Marco Rubio as the next Secretary of State.
Bilirakis said Rubio’s appointment could deepen U.S. defense and energy partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region where alliances and energy security are becoming increasingly central to U.S. foreign policy.
Bilirakis, a strong advocate for Eastern Mediterranean relations, said Rubio’s leadership will advance projects like LNG development and regional connectivity, strengthening economic and security ties with allies Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
“A more connected and united Eastern Mediterranean will result in more prosperity, stability, and peace,” Bilirakis said.
As co-sponsor of the 2019 Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the 2021 U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, both signed under Trump’s first administration, Rubio has been active in bolstering defense partnerships with Greece.
Bilirakis noted that these measures have supported Greek military modernization and multilateral security efforts in collaboration with Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States.
Senator Rubio’s Cuban-American heritage also influences his approach, Bilirakis noted, citing Rubio’s understanding of authoritarian regimes and the value of alliances rooted in democratic principles.
The congressman expressed confidence that Rubio’s stance on Turkey—specifically his opposition to Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter program due to Ankara’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400s—will serve as a signal of the U.S. commitment to holding Turkey accountable on defense and human rights issues.
