Pompeo speaks with NATO chief about Mediterranean tensions

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is due to arrive in Greece on an official visit early Monday, has h a conversation on tensions in eastern Mediterranean with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

“Pleased to speak today with @NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg to discuss de-escalation of situation in Eastern Mediterranean and reiterate importance of NATO Alliance unity,” Pompeo tweeted while en route to Greece.

Relations between NATO members Greece and Turkey, always tense, have furr deteriorated this year over long-standing disputes, including maritime boundaries and energy rights. France has been vocal in its support for Greece and latter’s call for European Union sanctions.

Pompeo is due to arrive in ssaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, shortly after midnight Sunday on first leg of a five-day trip to Europe, which includes visits to Italy, Vatican and Croatia. This is is first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to ssaloniki.

According to State Department background briefings, Pompeo will meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias to renew two countries’ shared commitment to vance security, peace, and prosperity in eastern Mediterranean and celebrate strongest U.S.-Greek relationship in deces.

On Monday, Pompeo will meet with Dendias, sign a bilateral science and techlogy agreement, as well as host energy sector business leers for a discussion to highlight energy diversification and infrastructure projects in Greece. He will also join members of city’s Jewish community to commemorate Yom Kippur.

Pompeo will depart later Monday to visit NATO Souda Bay naval base. He will tour facilities Tuesday and have lunch with Mitsotakis at latter’s nearby residence. two will issue a joint statement.

U.S. secretary of state will depart Greece early Wednesday for Rome.