Greece and U.S. Strengthen Energy Ties in Washington Meeting

During his visit to the United States, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, met with Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Chair of the National Energy Sovereignty Council, in Washington on Monday, May 12. The meeting focused on the importance of Greek-American cooperation under the lens of energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The discussions took place in a positive atmosphere and lasted for 75 minutes, with both men emphasizing the historically high level of Greek-American relations. They highlighted that defense and energy are the two main pillars of bilateral cooperation.

In this context, Burgum expressed his gratitude to the Greek government for its defense collaboration with the United States in Souda Bay, Alexandroupoli, and even in the Red Sea.

For his part, Minister Papastavrou underlined Greece’s ongoing efforts to develop its hydrocarbon sector. He presented a map detailing the blocks that have been tendered, including those of interest to Chevron, as well as areas currently being explored by ExxonMobil.

“Minister Doug Burgum and I agree that our energy cooperation is crucial for the national security of our countries, as well as a cornerstone for stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said the Greek minister after the meeting.

During the talks, the significance of energy cooperation and connectivity between the two nations was underscored as a driving force for economic growth and geopolitical stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Under this perspective, reference was made to the importance of the IMEC corridor and Greece’s potential role as a gateway for Indian products into Europe through the vertical corridor originating from Alexandroupoli.

Burgum also welcomed Papastavrou’s proposal to hold the next session of the Ministers’ Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TECC) in Athens this November.

Concluding his visit to Washington, Papastavrou held successive meetings with Republican Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming and Jerry Moran of Kansas, both of whom serve on key committees. He also met with Greek-American Congressman Mike Haridopolos from Florida.