The importance of Greek-American cooperation in the light of energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean was at the center of the meeting between Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and the US Secretary of the Interior and head of the US National Energy Dominance Council Doug Bergham in Washington.

The meeting took place in a good climate and lasted 75 minutes, with the two ministers standing at the historically high level of Greek-American relations and emphasizing that the defense and energy sectors are the two main pillars of bilateral cooperation.

In this context, the President of the National Energy Dominance Council thanked the Greek government for the defense cooperation between the two countries in Souda, Alexandroupolis, and in the Red Sea.

On his part, Papastavrou underlined the efforts that our country is making to develop the hydrocarbon sector and handed a map to Bergham showing the plots that have been announced and for which Chevron has expressed interest, as well as those that Exxon Mobil is exploring.

"Secretary Doug Bergham and I agree that our energy cooperation is crucial for the national security of our countries, as well as a cornerstone for the stability and prosperity of the Eastern Mediterranean," the Greek minister said after the meeting.

Understanding on the Importance of Energy Cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean

During the meeting, the importance of energy cooperation and interconnection between countries as a factor of economic development and geopolitical stability in the Eastern Mediterranean was underlined.

In this light, reference was made to the importance of the IMEC corridor and the role that Greece can play as a gateway for products from India to Europe through the vertical corridor starting from Alexandroupolis.

Transatlantic Energy Partnership Ministerial Meeting in November in Athens

Bergham, as Head of the US National Energy Dominance Council, welcomed Papastavros proposal to hold the next Transatlantic Energy Partnership (P-TECC) Ministerial Meeting in November in Athens.

The proposal was accepted on Friday by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright during a telephone conversation with Papastavrou.

Concluding his visit to Washington, Papastavrou held successive meetings with Republican Senators from Wyoming and Kansas - John Barrasso and Jerry Moran - who serve on key committees. Finally, he also met with Greek-American Representative from Florida, Mike Charidopoulos.