B. Kikilias: The Greece – USA relationship is being upgraded and strengthened. The Minister of Shipping emphasized at Capital Link that cooperation in energy, shipbuilding, and shipping opens new prospects for development and job positions.
“The Greece – USA relationship is at a very high level. It is being upgraded and strengthened. In energy, shipbuilding, and shipping, great opportunities are opening in the immediate future. It is our duty to utilize them,” stated the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, at the 15th Capital Link taking place in Athens, pointing out that “the USA produces and exports LNG, while the Greek-owned fleet, with 5,700 ships, constitutes 20% of the global fleet and 24.5% of the global LNG carrier ship capacity. It is obvious that we can cooperate closely to achieve new job positions and development, through cooperation in energy and its transportation.”
The Minister referred to the potential that Greece possesses to emerge as a pivotal energy hub: “Greece constitutes a gateway for LNG entry from various countries, such as the USA, facilitating gas flows to cover the energy needs of other countries as well. We thus contribute to the energy security, both of the country itself and of the entire Southeastern Europe.”
Referring to his recent trip to the United States, Mr. Kikilias noted: “I had consecutive meetings in Athens and Washington with the US Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, with responsibility for coordinating energy policy, the Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and high-ranking officials of the State Department, also with investment banks, senators, governors, and the private sector. The discussions were productive. There is a clear will for cooperation. Our teams are working together on a realistic, implementable plan that will be presented in the coming months.”
Finally, referring to the importance of Capital Link, the Minister underlined: “Capital Link has evolved into an institution. It is a meeting point for people from the market and politics, successful Greek shipowners, diplomats, and business executives. Such events are useful, they provide a space for the exchange of ideas and the formulation of development policies. When people meet and share plans and visions, positive results always emerge.”
