- Tweeter
republish
In Athens, Greece, Cyprus and Israel have just signed an agreement on Thursday 2 January for the creation of the gas pipeline called "EastMed". An infrastructure project of which Greece has emphasized “ the geostrategic importance ” for the Eastern Mediterranean. An area where the exploitation of hydrocarbons continues to fuel tensions with Turkey.
With our correspondent in Athens, Joël Bronner
In Athens' eyes, the future EastMed , which should make it possible to supply gas to several southern European countries, represents more than a simple energy project.
In the company of the Israeli Prime Minister and the Cypriot President, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also spoke about the security dimension of gas exploitation. And this, by addressing in veiled words to neighboring Turkey, which also has its eye on the hydrocarbon reserves of the Mediterranean.
“ I would like to emphasize here in Athens that this EastMed pipeline is not a threat to anyone. Trilateral cooperation, such as that between Greece, Israel and Cyprus, is not hostile to anyone. Regional cooperation is open to everyone, provided that international law and the rules of good neighborliness are respected. In summary, EastMed is not simply a gas pipeline intended to promote economic growth, it is a gas pipeline for peace and cooperation of the actors of the region, "said Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In recent months, the issue of Mediterranean hydrocarbons has contributed to mounting tension between Athens and Ankara. To legitimize its underwater explorations, Turkey notably signed in late November a controversial maritime agreement with the Libyan government of national unity (GNA). An agreement denounced in particular by Cyprus and by Greece.
► Read also: Signature in Athens of the EastMed gas pipeline agreement amid tensions