U.S. energy giant Chevron is entering the Greek energy market by partnering with HELLENiQ Energy to explore for natural gas off the coast of Crete, a move hailed by the Greek government as a major geopolitical victory that challenges a controversial maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya.
The two companies have jointly submitted bids for exploration rights in four offshore blocks, including the "South Crete II" block, which overlaps with a maritime zone claimed by the 2019 accord signed between Turkey and a previous Libyan government. Greece considers that accord illegal.
Greek officials see the entry of a major American company into the contested area as a powerful endorsement of Greece's sovereign rights. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the development is "the best proof of how our government envisions upgrading the country’s geopolitical standing," adding that Greece is "becoming an important energy player."
The announcement comes as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior is scheduled to visit Athens on Friday for talks with Mr. Mitsotakis on enhancing the strategic energy partnership between the two countries.