Athens:Cyprus is a crucial component of the Eastern Mediterranean's security framework, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated during joint remarks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Athens at the Greece-US Strategic Dialogue.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Gerapetritis highlighted Cyprus' significance to regional security and emphasized the necessity of the island's reunification in line with international law, aiming to restore peace and prosperity while preventing any revisionist threats.

Gerapetritis underscored Greece's involvement in multilateral regional cooperation frameworks, especially the 3+1 partnership that includes Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. He acknowledged Marco Rubio's role in strengthening this geopolitical mechanism.

The ministers discussed the expansion of US-Greece cooperation in security, defense, energy, and intelligence sharing. They signed a new memorandum on intelligence sharing and agreed to enhance energy cooperation, notably through increased US LNG supplies, while also strengthening their defense relationship within NATO.

Gerapetritis also highlighted Greece's strategic role as a hub for transporting US LNG to Europe, describing the Vertical Corridor as vital for this purpose. He noted that Greek-owned ships transport about one-quarter of US LNG.

Marco Rubio reiterated the US's commitment to energy cooperation with Greece, linking energy security directly to national security. He pointed out that certain energy projects involve complex international dynamics, suggesting that some issues may be more effectively tackled through private-sector initiatives and specific forums.

Rubio concluded by affirming the US's dedication to energy cooperation with Greece, emphasizing its importance for global security.