Athens, Greece, October 8 (ANI): U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned that the international community can no longer rely on energy supplies originating from a single geographic region, highlighting that vulnerabilities stemming from armed conflicts or adversarial governments could threaten global economic stability and undermine the autonomy of nations.
Addressing reporters during a joint press briefing with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in Athens, Rubio emphasized that Washington remains committed to developing alternative energy transit networks and strengthening alliances capable of protecting global energy flows from geopolitical interference.
“We can never be in a situation where if energy is cut off or energy flows are cut off from one part of the world, the whole world is threatened,” Rubio said.
He cautioned that overreliance on specific trade routes could undermine the ability of independent states to pursue their sovereign interests.
The comments came against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities involving Iran and persistent concerns about maritime transit safety, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio said recent geopolitical events have underscored the need to diversify routes for oil, natural gas and related commodities.
“I would argue that energy security is tied to national security,” he said.
Referring to Iran, Rubio said regional instability highlights vulnerabilities within global energy markets.
He affirmed that Washington continues to support Athens in expanding infrastructure designed to connect Mediterranean energy sources directly to European markets.
“So we’re very committed to all of these corridors and to all of these efforts, and Greece is a great partner to do it with,” Rubio said.
Greece has become a key partner in Washington’s broader strategy to expand U.S. liquefied natural gas exports across Central and Eastern Europe.
Foreign Minister Gerapetritis highlighted the Vertical Corridor, an energy transportation network designed to carry American LNG into European markets.
He said bilateral energy cooperation between Athens and Washington has reached unprecedented levels.
The Greek diplomat also noted the growing presence of American energy companies in Greece, including offshore exploration for underwater hydrocarbon reserves.
According to Gerapetritis, Greek-owned commercial vessels transport more than 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas, underscoring the country’s strategic importance to global energy security.
Rubio confirmed that Washington aims to expand Greek LNG import capacity while supporting new gas and electricity interconnectors to strengthen regional energy networks.
Responding to a question about potential U.S. support for major Greek energy projects, including ExxonMobil operations, Chevron exploration south of Crete and proposed electricity links connecting Greece, Egypt, Cyprus and Israel, Rubio reiterated U.S. support while acknowledging that some projects involve sensitive diplomatic issues concerning third-party countries.
Without explicitly naming those countries or discussing diplomatic obstacles publicly, Rubio underscored the value of discreet diplomacy.
“I know we like to be transparent, but there are things in global affairs that are best not debated at press conferences, but handled at the table of dialogue,” he said.
The bilateral discussions also covered maritime security, freedom of navigation and the protection of global supply chains.
Gerapetritis said Greece remains open to considering naval assistance in the Strait of Hormuz, provided conditions allow and a credible peace initiative is established.
He emphasized that secure maritime corridors are essential not only for energy shipments but also for broader international commerce and economic resilience. (ANI)
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