US support promises to bolster Greece’s role as an energy hub, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras noted during a speech delivered at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, included on the agenda of his current official US visit.

On the economy, a key part of his speech, the Greek leader declared that the country’s growth trajectory is now a reality. Greece’s economic recovery is not based on a return to the past but the establishment of new, strong foundations, he stressed.

The objective is to now move ahead with a new and sustainable model for economic growth, placing emphasis on innovation, export orientation, investment attraction and social justice, Tsipras stressed.

The Greek leader made special reference to energy sector projects and developments concerning Greece, citing a long list of projects, these being: the TAP gas pipeline, IGB gas pipeline; the Revythoussa LNG terminal’s expansion; the Alexandroupoli FSRU; plans for additional natural gas imports from the USA; developments leading to US shale gas imports into Europe via Greece; the East Med gas pipeline; the Euro-Asia Interconnector, to link the electricity systems of Greece, Cyprus and Israel; new tenders for offshore hydrocarbon exploration in Cretan and Ionian waters, which have engaged US firms; as well as negotiations with Turkey for the development of a pipeline to supply Russian natural gas to Europe.