“Without Greece’s leadership role, the vertical gas corridor would not be possible,” the new embassy assistant said. USA In Athens Josh Huck, in his statements to the Athens/Macedonian News Agency, on the sidelines of his visit to Thessaloniki and 89th TIF.
“Greece, as we see, plays a completely critical role in Vertical corridor“, He said. “Greece,” he added, “has done a truly excellent job on being placed as nodein a way that was not valid, if we look at 10-20 years back-it just didn’t apply. “
Josh Khak described Greece a “really important player” and listed the reasons for this estimate: “First, there is its geographical location – just the reality of geography and where we should be able to access the European market, especially in its eastern part. But they are also issue and political will; the (Greek) government has really committed it to it. And it is also a matter of infrastructure, and the US has played an important role in it. For example, in Elefsina’s shipyards, the US through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) have committed 125 million to improve shipyards to be able to serve liquefied natural gas (LNG/LNG) and supply more, especially American LNGthrough the vertical corridor. Of course we also have a American companywhich is one of the key factors involved in the floating storage and re -treatment unit in Alexandroupolis. Thus, the US has played a role in it, but Greece’s role is truly central. And without Greece, without the leading role of Greece, the vertical corridor would not be possible. So we are very excited about this opportunity and we are very pleased with our cooperation with Greece, so far, on this issue. “
In terms of imports LNG (and American) with the aim of diversifying source of energycommented that it was “a very important story”, because for a long time, all the energy that arrived in Europe, or its overwhelming majority, came from her East. “They were Russian sources of energy. And that gave them a monopoly control of European markets. And, as someone said on the panel we had at the 9th Energy Forum of SE Europe of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (ed. Last Friday), energy is security. I think not only in the United States but also in Europe, there is now a wide transatlantic consensus That we need to find a safe energy future for Europe that does not depend on Russian energy. So the vertical corridor comes in, and in particular the ability to differentiate the supply away from Russian energy. “
US Embassy in Athens also emphasized that “the US is now the largest exporter of LNG in the world, so they can play a very important role as a close ally in Greece, transferring these LNG loads to Vertical corridorpassing through Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and ultimately even Ukraine, in a way that really changes the landscape. “
Josh Khak described this development as “very important” and added: “We are still in the early stages, but there are still many to be done. But I believe this is a truly important strategic change in the region. “
The return to Thessaloniki and the first time to the TIF
Despite the fact that he had visited the past the Thessaloniki (For the first time 17 years ago and 2-3 years ago in the status of the Undersecretary of State), Josh Huck came to the first time this year at International Exhibition of Thessaloniki. The first time he came to Thessaloniki from Sofia, where he served for three years, he liked the city. “Then I really liked Thessaloniki, but now I see how much it has grown, how alive it is. Driving around I saw how many people were out and walking, having fun at 10pm, 11pm. It’s a vibrant city. You feel it. It’s really great to see it! “He noted. He estimated that “economic dynamism is an important part of it” and explained: “We are particularly focused on this region as a truly critical place, not only of Greece but also in the wider region. And as I said, my first contact was from Bulgaria, so I consider this Balkan framework really important. Here, in the area, there are three very important ports: The Thessalonikithe Riding and the Alexandroupolis – the energy I mentioned- but there is also the aspect of security. We have used many of these ports as part of NATO for exercises and training. There is also Mount Athos, a very important part of the Greek Orthodox Church. So it’s a series of really important issues. And there is a very long -term American presence, especially if you look at the American Agricultural School or our consulate here in Thessaloniki, which is an amazing strategic advantage. We have an excellent team here. So we see all this as a really important part of the US involvement, but also as an important part of Greece’s history in the wider region. “
As for his first time at the TIF, he said impressed From the atmosphere as at the time of statements the energy booth was full of children with their families, and also referred to the role of such exhibitions. ‘It is a very useful opportunity for many governments and officials in Athens to come and show and explain what they are doing. And this is a very useful role, and I’m not sure that governments around the world do it quite often. “
During his visit to Thessaloniki, Josh Khak spoke at conferences of the Economist and the Hellenic American Chamber, visited the 89th TIF and had a series of meetings.