American Ambassador to Israel David Friedman on Thursday touted the growing cooperation between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, including plans for a gas pipeline from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe.
Speaking at a trilateral summit which brought together leaders from the three nations in Beer Sheva, Israel Thursday, Friedman offered the Trump administration’s congratulations for the “historic” gathering.
“On behalf of President Donald Trump, I want to thank you for allowing me to say a few words of congratulations at this historic summit.
“The U.S. supports the trilateral partnership between Israel, Greece and Cyprus. This partnership is an anchor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and it's based on common interests and common values that the three countries share together with the U.S.
“Over the past several years, this partnership has advanced important projects in a variety of fields, energy, environmental protection, innovation, and so much more. One of these projects, the East Mediterranean Pipeline, seeks to build a gas pipeline to Europe from the Mediterranean Sea. Italy along with other members of the EU are partners of this project's design. This project is of great important to the stability and prosperity of the Middle East and Europe. The U.S fully supports the project and its goals - to help diversify energy sources throughout the entire region, and to bring energy security in Europe. I call on all countries in this region to ensure that this project is successful.
“Again, I'd like to congratulate the people of Israel, the people of Greece and the people of Cyprus on this important partnership. Thank you very much."
Last month, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and Italy, with the blessing of the European Union, signed deal for the creation of a 2,000 kilometer (1,250 mile) pipeline, enabling Israel to export natural gas to southern and central Europe.
According to a report by Hahadashot, the pipeline will be operational in five years.