Greece has become a major energy hub through targeted and coordinated efforts in the last few years, contributing decisively to national and European energy differentiation and security, said Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis on Monday.

The Greek FM was addressing an event on "Energy and the Southeast Mediterranean" held by the Association of Retired Greek Diplomats.

Greece's importance, he said, was indicated by the energy cooperations being developed, like the electric grid links (GREGY with Egypt and GSI with Cyprus and Israel), and the activities of energy giants Exxon and Chevron. The minister referred to natural gas projects in Revythoussa and Alexandroupolis, and the change in Greece's energy mix with the inclusion of renewable energy sources.

The energy developments "has fundamentally upgraded Greece," he noted, while he also spoke of a "diplomatic upgrade" combined with Greece's geostrategic location and leading role in commercial shipping, leading to the country's contribution to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.