Bilirakis Applauds Rubio Appointment to Serve as Secretary of State

Hellenic Leaders

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Nov 14, 2024

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Washington, DC: U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis released the following statement after President-Elect Donald J. Trump announced that Florida’s U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will serve as Secretary of State.

“I am thrilled that my good friend and fellow Floridian, Senator Marco Rubio has been named the incoming Secretary of State by President-Elect Donald Trump. Senator Rubio is an America-First leader and has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective policymaker who understands the importance of leading from a position of strength. He understands the threats posed by our adversaries and knows how to build consensus with our allies. As a Cuban-American whose family was forced to flee their homeland, Senator Rubio is also acutely aware of the evils of Socialism and brutal regimes. As Co-Chairman of several Congressional Caucuses including: International Religious Freedom, Hellenic Affairs, and the Hellenic-Israel Alliance, I am particularly encouraged by what Senator Rubio’s appointment will mean for US interests and alliances in the Eastern Mediterranean. “Senator Rubio was my partner in authoring the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, which were both signed into law by President Trump. These initiatives strengthened the defense partnership between the United States and Greece, by supporting Greek military modernization and multilateral security efforts between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States. In addition to championing these measures during his first Administration, President Trump held Turkey accountable for its violations of religious freedom against the Patriarchate and other religious minorities. In fact, the Trump Administration was the first to impose sanctions against Turkey. I know the second Trump Administration with Marco Rubio in charge of the State Department will continue to hold Turkish President Erdogan accountable, specifically by not letting Turkey back into the F-35 program due to its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. With Secretary Rubio in the new administration, we will continue to grow our defense and energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southern Europe, specifically with LNG projects and greater connectivity for the region. A more connected and united Eastern Mediterranean will result in more prosperity, stability, and peace. I know that Senator Rubio will make a tremendous Secretary of State who will prioritize American interests around the globe, strengthen partnerships with our allies and help facilitate stability and peace wherever possible. I cannot wait to get to work with him,” said U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis.