U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave assurances of the United States’ full commitment to the success of the energy projects that Greece participates in or promotes and that contribute to energy security.

In his joint statements with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, Marco Rubio underlined the importance of countries diversifying their sources of energy supply. Rubio was also asked about energy projects involving hydrocarbon exploration and the electricity interconnections between Greece and Cyprus (GSI) and between Greece and Egypt (GREGY).

“Energy Security Is Linked to National Security”

The U.S. Secretary of State was asked whether the United States supports hydrocarbon exploration off Crete and the interconnection projects Greece is promoting with Egypt and Cyprus, also in light of the threats Greece faces.

“We are very committed,” was Marco Rubio’s immediate response, before he emphasized: “Beyond cooperation in the area of security, I would say that energy security is linked to national security. And if you don’t believe that, just look at what is happening in the world right now with what Iran is trying to do.”

The U.S. Secretary of State spoke in favor of multiple and diversified energy corridors, stressing that “we must never find ourselves in a situation where energy is cut off or energy flows are disrupted in one part of the world. The whole world is threatened, and the ability of states to act in their own interest is undermined by the influence that one country or one pariah regime can exert.”

Indirect References to the GSI

Without naming Turkey, he acknowledged that some of Greece’s projects “are linked to a very sensitive situation that also involves other countries. I won’t mention names, but these are other countries involved in some of the issues that complicate the situation. And I would just like to say that issues of this nature, which are so sensitive and critical, are probably best handled through private diplomacy, outside the setting of press conferences,” the U.S. Secretary of State urged.

Marco Rubio concluded: “We are fully committed to the success of these projects and to the cooperation we have with Greece in the field of energy security, because this is in Greece’s natural national interest, but also in ours. And I believe it advances the cause of global security.”

Gerapetritis on the Vertical Corridor

Referring to the two countries’ relations in the energy sector, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed that cooperation has reached an “unprecedented level,” highlighting the importance of the Vertical Corridor, which carries natural gas from Alexandroupolis to the Balkans and to Eastern and Central Europe.

“Regarding our bilateral relations, energy, and trade, energy cooperation between the two countries has reached an unprecedented level. We highlighted Greece’s fundamental role through the Vertical Corridor, which is the backbone for transporting American liquefied natural gas to Central and Eastern Europe,” Gerapetritis said.

The Greek Foreign Minister also made special mention of the Greek-owned merchant fleet, which “carries more than 20% of LNG to global markets, strengthening energy stability, security, and resilience.”

He also pointed to the presence of American companies in Greece in the exploration and development of offshore hydrocarbon deposits, saying that this “demonstrates the confidence that America and the American market show in the Greek economy and our investment environment, as well as the significant American investments being made.”