Alexandroupolis at the Forefront of Energy Discussions: Visit of Ambassadors from Arab States to the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal
Press Release
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Alexandroupolis at the Forefront of Energy Discussions:
Visit of Ambassadors from Arab States to the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal
On Monday, November 18, the Alexandroupolis Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal welcomed a delegation of Ambassadors and Diplomats from ten Arab countries, including the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Iraq, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, Lebanon, the Kingdom of Morocco, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of Tunisia. Accompanied by the Secretary General of the Arab Hellenic Chamber, the delegation underscored the keen interest from Arab states in exploring new energy connectivity opportunities between the Mediterranean and Europe through Greece, with Alexandroupolis emerging as a vital gas hub.
During the visit, the Ambassadors were briefed on the state-of-the-art technologies employed by the Terminal and the strict environmental standards adhered to in every phase of its operations. Senior FSRU officials highlighted the innovative nature of the project, which represents a major node in Europe’s energy supply chain.
The “Vertical Corridor,” a strategic energy initiative linking Greece to Central and Southeastern Europe was in the heart of the discussions. In conjunction with the FSRU Alexandroupolis, which serves as a critical entry point to the Vertical Corridor, a new energy supply route is being created, enabling the safe, competitive and efficient distribution of natural gas from the Mediterranean to Europe. This corridor encompasses not only Greece but also Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine to the east, as well as Hungary and Slovakia to the west. The Vertical Corridor initiative enhances the region’s energy security and provides an alternative pathway to address today’s energy challenges, reducing dependence on Russian natural gas and opening new markets for major LNG producers in the Arab countries.
Commenting on the occasion, the Managing Director of Gastrade, Mr. Kostis Sifnaios, stated:
“The visit of the Ambassadors from the Arab states to the FSRU Alexandroupolis provided a valuable opportunity to explore the integration of LNG produced in the Arab world into our Terminal’s operations, which commenced commercial activity on October 1, 2024. The geographic proximity of LNG production units in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf to Alexandroupolis offers significant competitive advantages and lays the groundwork for establishing a robust strategic partnership. We sincerely thank the Ambassadors for the open and constructive dialogue, and we look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial collaboration with their countries.”
This visit confirms the strong prospects for developing energy partnerships between Greece and Arab countries, reinforcing a shared commitment to a secure, sustainable and diversified energy future for the entire region.
From left to right:
Mr. Lefteris Livanos, Business Development Manager Copelouzos Group, Mr. Marwan Francis, Charge D’Affaires of Lebanon, Dr. Amjd Elyas Moosa, Charge D’Affaires of Sudan, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Sbihi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Zuhair Ensour, Ambassador of the Hasemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr. John Karydas, Chief Executive Officer Renewables & Energy Storage Copelouzos Group, Mr. Rashad Mabger, Secretary General of the Arab Hellenic Chamber of Commerce & Development, Mr. Konstantinos Sifnaios, Managing Director Gastrade, H.E. Mr. Mansour Saad Aloaimi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, H.E. Mr. Mouayed Saleh, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Ali Bin Khalfan Almansouri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Ms. Souad Trabelsi, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Saad Alammar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Omar Amer Youssef, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
About Gastrade S.A.
Gastrade S.A. was established in 2010 with the mission of designing, developing, operating and managing advanced infrastructure projects for the reception and transportation of natural gas, as well as its storage, liquefaction and regasification. Its activities are guided by the principles of safety, reliability, and economic efficiency, while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection and human rights.
Gastrade is the first company in Greece to be granted a license for the operation of an Independent Natural Gas System (INGS). It has developed and will operate the Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System in Northern Greece, while also developing the Thrace Independent Natural Gas System in the same region.
The project has been co-financed by the European Regional Development Programme of the EU through the Operational Programmes “Entrepreneurship, Competitiveness & Innovation (EPANEK)” and “Environment & Climate Change (PEKA)” within the NSRF 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 respectively.
For more information, you can visit the company’s website at www.gastrade.gr/en or contact the company at info@gastrade.gr.