Rubio says US and Europe must preserve their ties

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Athens that disagreements should not break the ties between Washington and European countries.

In a speech delivered in Athens on Oct. 7, Rubio said strong disagreements had sometimes tested relations between the United States and Europe but should not break them. He said Europe could “wake from a long sleep” and revive traditions rooted thousands of years ago.

The visit to the Greek capital is part of Rubio’s tour of several countries, including Iceland and Portugal. RIA Novosti reported that the meetings are focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, security and economic ties. Reuters reported that the United States and Greece announced a new counterterrorism information-sharing arrangement between their law enforcement agencies in Athens.