Energy and energy corridors were prominently on the agenda of talks in Athens on Thursday between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and US Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, all ahead of the expected opening of bids for hydrocarbon exploration in blocks south of the large island of Crete.
Mitsotakis, in fact, referred directly to multinational Chevron’s interest – in partnership with local HelleniQ – in hydrocarbon exploration and possible exploitation in Greek waters.
“You are arriving at a very interesting moment. I believe this is an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic partnership between our two countries, while placing a particular focus on energy and energy cooperation. I find it a very interesting coincidence that you are visiting just one day after Chevron formally expressed its interest in launching exploratory activities south of Crete, thereby reaffirming the sovereign rights of the Hellenic Republic in that area.”
The reference to “sovereign rights” comes as Athens has dismissed and even mocked a controversial 2019 agreement between Turkey and Libya to draw maritime zones between them by essentially “erasing” and bypassing all Greek island territory in their way.
Mitsotakis also noted that Greece now serves as a point for exporting natural gas shipped from elsewhere, on the back of being an exporter of refined petroleum products and electricity, “… and this makes us a very strong player in the eastern Mediterranean.”
The Greek premier highlighted the strategic importance of interconnections, both electrical and digital, making special reference to the Great Sea Interconnector and the GREGY Interconnector projects. He also briefed Burgum on the importance of a corridor linking Alexandroupolis with Odessa, following up on a proposal he had put forward during his visit to the Ukrainian port city in June. The role of the Greek shipping industry in LNG transport was also discussed during the meeting.
Both sides, in fact, cited an emphasis on further boosting bilateral cooperation in the energy field.
On his part, Secretary Burgum thanked Mitsotakis on behalf of US President Donald Trump and his administration, reiterating that Washington considers Greece a strategic partner.
He added that the Trump administration has specific goals related to energy, and one of them is energy abundancy.
PM on Charlie Kirk Assassination
Earlier, his opening statements before the top Trump administration official to Athens, Mitsotakis expressed what he called his abhorrence and sorrow over the heinous murder of Charlie Kirk the previous evening, while also referring to the sad anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“Political violence has no place in our democracy, and freedom of speech must be protected at all costs,” he underlined.
Source: tovima.com
