The appointment of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in Donald Trump’s new administration will expand U.S. defense and energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Congressman Gas Bilirakis said.

The homegrown lawmaker made specific reference to natural gas liquefaction and enhanced interconnectivity projects, arguing that the nomination of his Republican colleague from Florida is a positive development for U.S. interests, U.S. allies and the Eastern Mediterranean region.

As he noted, “a more connected and united Eastern Mediterranean will result in more prosperity, stability and peace.”

In this light, he recalled that Marko Rubio participates in parliamentary groups that are directly or indirectly linked to issues concerning our country. Among them, the groups on International Religious Freedom, Greek Affairs and the Greek-Israeli Alliance stand out.

In addition, Gus Bilirakis stood by the fact that Marco Rubio was one of the lawmakers who introduced the two key bills signed by Donald Trump for the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The first was the East Med Act (Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act) of 2019 and the second was the U.S.-Greece Defense and Bipartisan Partnership Act of 2021.

“These initiatives have strengthened the defense partnership between the United States and Greece, supporting Greek military modernization and multilateral security efforts between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States,” Gus Bilirakis said in the statement.

Regarding Turkey, the congressman expressed confidence that the new State Department chief will ensure that President Erdogan is held accountable for his behavior. In particular, he argued that Marco Rubio would refuse to allow Turkey to return to the F-35 fighter program because of Turkey’s possession of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.

Finally, Congressman Bilirakis’ statement concludes by saying that Senator Rubio will be an excellent Secretary of State who will prioritize U.S. interests around the world, strengthen partnerships with U.S. allies, and help cement stability and peace wherever possible.