Prime Minister Antonis Samaras addressed the European Union-Asia Summit Meeting in Milan on October 16. Greece has become a hub in energy security after the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor, which linked Caspian Sea deposits with Europe’s energy markets, the premier said, adding that the project was about building bridges of cooperation in the energy sector.

Samaras said that it was crucial Europe diversify its energy sources and the routes of its supply to ensure more energy independence. He also spoke of Greece’s efforts to promote hydrocarbon research on its territory, noting the international calls for tenders for research and drilling in the Ionian Sea and south of the island of Crete, and said the collaboration of Europe and Asia extended beyond trade and economy to academic and tourism exchanges as well.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Antonis Samaras discussed Greek – Chinese collaboration on energy projects and rare earth mining with Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. Samaras confirmed Greece’s willingness to support China on all issues concerning the improvement of its relations with the EU.

Li Keqiang expressed satisfaction with the Cosco investment in the port of Piraeus, the largest in southeast Mediterranean, and the prospect of its expansion.

At the same time, he made clear that China is interested in the ongoing Greek privatization program, which includes, amongst others, the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos,” the national railways and the Kastelli Airport.