Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou held a phone call with Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen to discuss developments in the Middle East, including the need for alternative trade corridors following the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two ministers discussed the growing geopolitical significance of the Eastern Mediterranean and energy cooperation between Greece, Israel, Cyprus and the United States under the "3+1" initiative, along with progress on the GSI electrical interconnection linking Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
Mr. Papastavrou and Mr. Cohen also addressed the establishment of the East Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC), signed into being in June at Rice University's Baker Institute in Houston, and Israel's assumption of the presidency of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) starting August 1, succeeding Greece's outgoing presidency.
The discussions come amid heightened concern over regional energy security following disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, underscoring efforts by Eastern Mediterranean states to diversify energy routes and strengthen regional cooperation frameworks.