"Reuters" reports Greek Minister of Investments Harris Pamboukis as saying that Greece has begun exploratory talks with Israel about cooperation on transporting natural gas from the Leviathan field to markets in Europe. He said that he discussed the idea on a visit to Israel last week to build ties with Israel, following a trip to Athens last year by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pamboukis said, "The Israelis have found big quantities of offshore gas in the Mediterranean. We are trying to see how Greece could be seen as a transportation hub and a services centre, since it is on a natural road to the Balkans and Europe."
"Reuters" notes that relations between Israel and Greece have been warming partly because of the chill between Israel and its traditional strategic partner Turkey Greece's neighbor and historic rival. Israel is also already reportedly discussing potential cooperation on a liquefied natural gas facility with Cyprus, a close ally of Greece.
Cyprus has angered Turkey by prospecting for offshore gas in Cypriot territorial waters between the island and Israel.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 23, 2011
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011