The former US Secretary of State and representative of the Biden administration spoke of Greece’s climate actions for “an amazing job taking a leadership role and implementing policies that will make a difference”
For the emphasis that President Biden places on the relations between Greece and the United States, the role of non-renewable sources in energy de-dependence which is more critical than ever due to the war in Ukraine, but also the strategic role of our country in the transfer of energy from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the former US Secretary of State and representative of the Biden administration spoke about climate change John Kerry in the exclusive interview he gave to Athanasios Ellis for SKAI and Kathimerini.
The interview in detail
ATHANASIOS ELLIS
Welcome to Greece, Mr. Minister. Simply I wonder if you can share with us the areas that you think Greece and the US can work together on climate change, both from the scientific innovation side, as well as the practical business problem?
JOHN KERRY
We’re working with Greece, and Greece is doing an amazing job of taking the lead and implementing policies that will make a difference on a number of different climate initiatives. So, we are very excited to be working in Greece.
The interconnection strategy for electricity coming from Egypt and possibly Saudi Arabia via Greece is a very exciting prospect that could really change the outlook for Europe as a whole.
In addition, there are preventive measures Greece is taking for forests. And we are grateful to Greece and the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Stepping up and taking on the challenge of the Our Oceans conference, which will take place in 2024.
ATHANASIOS ELLIS
Given the dependence on Russian gas and given the energy shortages and crisis. I wonder how countries can deal with this problem and be green at the same time.
JOHN KERRY
The best response to dealing with the post-Ukraine crisis is to achieve energy independence. And the best energy independence will come through renewables. Now, is that the whole answer? No. You also need to make sure you have the energy security you need to keep your economy moving when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow.
We need to bring a few more nations on board. Fortunately though, Europe as a whole and Greece are among those committed to doing so. I’ve met your energy minister, your environment minister, your shipping minister, they’re clearly all on this issue. They understand the responsibility and are deeply committed, I think, to making sure that Greece does its part.
ATHANASIOS ELLIS
Greece, given its position, has a strategic position. And lately there has been a lot of cooperation with many western countries, especially the USA. I was wondering how the US assesses the role of Greece, in this development, in the process of transferring energy to the Balkans and other European markets.
JOHN KERRY President Biden believes, and I am convinced of this, that Greece is an essential and very important strategic partner for this region, as well as its cooperation with the other countries I mentioned earlier. Greece will play a very key role in this economic transformation and in our response to the energy cost challenge today and what is happening in Ukraine. We are lucky to have a good partner.
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