Rubio, in Athens, ties ancient values to 'America First' - Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Athens on Wednesday to address a gathering of Western leaders and scholars. The event, held in the Greek capital, was organized to highlight the historical ties between ancient Greek civilization and contemporary democratic values.

In his remarks, Rubio called on the audience to draw inspiration from what he described as the core principles of ancient Greece—heroism, honor and duty. He argued that these timeless virtues could serve as a moral compass for modern societies confronting geopolitical challenges.

Rubio linked the ancient ideals to the United States’ current foreign‑policy stance, emphasizing that the “America First” agenda championed by President Donald Trump reflects a commitment to protect national interests while upholding the same sense of responsibility and bravery celebrated in classical antiquity.

The Secretary of State urged Western nations to adopt a similar framework, suggesting that a shared reverence for these values would strengthen alliances and promote collective security. He indicated that the United States would continue to lead by example, integrating historical lessons into contemporary diplomatic efforts.

The speech concluded with a call for renewed cooperation among democratic states, framed as a continuation of the legacy of ancient Greek civic virtue applied to today’s international landscape.