The 3+1 Energy Ministerial Dialogue, bringing together Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States, as well as the launch of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center in Houston, constitute ‘a development of particular political and geostrategic significance,’ Cyprus Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, has said.
The Spokesperson noted, in a post on X, that ‘at a time when energy security has become a critical factor for the stability and resilience of states,’ the Eastern Mediterranean ‘is assuming ever greater importance.’
He said that cooperation among Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States establishes ‘a stable framework for dialogue and coordination,’ aimed at ‘harnessing the region’s energy potential,’ strengthening connectivity and developing ‘common approaches to emerging challenges.’
Referring to the launch of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center, the Spokesperson said that EMEC gives this cooperation ‘even greater substance and a more practical dimension.’ He described the Center as ‘a permanent mechanism, based in Houston, one of the world’s leading energy hubs,’ which can serve as ‘a point of reference for the exchange of expertise’ and for ‘the development of joint initiatives.’
He added that the Center can also contribute to ‘closer cooperation with the academic and business communities’ and to ‘the advancement of implementable solutions,’ noting that these efforts can deliver ‘shared benefits for the 3+1 countries and for regional partners,’ within the broader framework of ‘advancing strategic multilateralism.’
The Spokesperson underlined that the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center is linked to the implementation of a provision of the 2019 Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act. He said that this same strategic direction is now ‘gaining renewed momentum’ through the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, which promotes the Eastern Mediterranean as ‘a strategic bridge connecting Europe, the Middle East and India.’
Letymbiotis pointed out that the Act includes ‘explicit reference to the importance of Cyprus, the 3+1 framework and critical regional infrastructure.’
‘This continuity carries particular political significance,’ the Spokesperson said, adding that it demonstrates that the upgrading of relations between Cyprus and the United States is ‘part of a coherent strategy’ which is steadily acquiring ‘greater institutional depth, concrete instruments and practical substance.’
‘Our geographic position is important,’ he added, noting that its true value ‘is enhanced by our credibility, the partnerships we build and our consistent presence wherever developments are shaped.’