Sen. Rick Scott Concludes Trip with U.S. Allies in Mediterranean, Middle East to Strengthen U.S. Economy and Defend Shared National Security Interests

Sen. Rick Scott Concludes Trip with U.S. Allies in Mediterranean, Middle East to Strengthen U.S. Economy and Defend Shared National Security Interests October 22, 2026 NAPLES, Fla.– U.S. Senator Rick Scott completed his travel to meet with leaders in Cyprus , Greece , and Israel , where they discussed shared security interests, economic partnerships and opportunities, and America’s global leadership to deter emerging threats. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Scott facilitated discussions on increasing American energy partnerships in Europe and encouraging military and economic dominance to deter threats from hostile neighbors. During his travel in Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, Senator Scott had engagements with: GREECE Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis Greek Energy and Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou Commandant of the Hellenic Coast Guard Vice Admiral HCG Christos Kontorouchas Members of Greek Parliament U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Josh Huck CYPRUS Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus John Breslow ISRAEL Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar U.S. Department of War personnel Israeli Defense Forces personnel U.S. military members Majdal Shams Mayor Dolan Abu Saleh Bereaved families in the Druze community U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee Senator Rick Scott said, “America today faces a world of threats–Russia, Communist China, Iran, North Korea–all enemies who want to destroy our way of life and end America’s leadership on the world stage. The true America First way to deal with this reality is committing to security with allies who share our values and are active, contributing mutual defense and economic partners. This is how we create a future for American families in a world that is safe, prosperous, and free. I am grateful for the continued commitment of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to maintain strong ties to the U.S. and our collective mission to deter our adversaries. “After meeting with these Mediterranean and Middle Eastern leaders, it is clear that America cannot be passive as the world changes. Our enemies have chosen to hate us, and they are making moves to oppose us. We must be proactive in safeguarding our national security, and we need partners willing to join us. President Trump has committed to rebuilding our military and has secured commitments from allies to do the same. By reshoring alliances abroad, we will have a safer world to leave our children and grandchildren.” ### https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/10/sen-rick-scott-concludes-trip-with-u-s-allies-in-mediterranean-middle-east-to-strengthen-u-s-economy-and-defend-shared-national-security-interests