Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ address via video-recorded message at the International Conference “EU Policies Towards the East Mediterranean: Energy and Security” organised by the Jean Monnet European Center of Excellence of the NKUA (Athens, 04.11.2022)
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to address today’s Conference.
Its theme is timely and pertinent.
Energy security and energy efficiency have become the buzz words of today’s world.
In this context, the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece’s strategic location are seen under a new light.
Greece actively contributes to the EU’s energy autonomy by promoting diversification of supply routes.
For instance, at the existing LNG Terminal in Revythoussa, a new LNG Truck Loading Station was inaugurated a couple of weeks ago.
The first such station in South-Eastern Europe.
Furthermore, two Floating Storage Regasification Units are being constructed in Alexandroupolis.
Not to mention the Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline, the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector and the Greece-North Macedonia Gas Interconnector.
Greece is becoming, by definition, the logical entry point for energy produced in the Middle East and North Africa.
Furthermore, there are major projects that will bring electricity to Europe, from these regions.
The Europe-Asia and Europe-Africa Interconnectors are among them.
Let me underline one key aspect of these projects.
They are being implemented in full respect of International Law, notably the International Law of the Sea.
The Euro-Asia Interconnector will follow the path of the planned East Med gas pipeline.
The Euro-Africa Interconnector will take advantage of the EEZ delimitation agreement between Greece and Egypt.
It is our firm commitment that in order to enhance energy cooperation and ensure energy security we need to adhere to these basic rules.
Greece has made respect for International Law of the Sea, the “bible” of its foreign policy priorities.
If all countries were to adhere to these principles, everyone would benefit.
A few days ago, Israel and Lebanon, two countries that do not recognize each other, signed a maritime delimitation agreement.
This will pave the way for the exploitation of gas resources.
We salute the courage and the vision of Israel and Lebanon.
And we hope that other countries in the region will seize the opportunity and follow their example.
This is the path to peace, stability and prosperity.
Unfortunately, this is not the path followed by all.
A few weeks ago, the government in Tripoli signed with Turkey, a “memorandum” on the exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean.
This so-called memorandum is based on a previous “memorandum” that defied not only basic International Law, but also fundamental principles of geography.
We were happy to see that many states have come out to denounce it immediately.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the challenges we are all facing are many and big.
Only by working together on the basis of common principles can we address them.
For the benefit of all of us.
Thank you