The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is returning from the Indian Ocean, and will dock in Iraklio and Piraeus in the coming days.
As preparations near completion for the resumption of research for the Greece-Cyprus power connection project, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, Athens remains committed to supporting a strategic plan in the Eastern Mediterranean, upholding its national energy strategy.
While a NAVTEX to map the upcoming survey has not yet been issued, Athens reaffirmed its backing of the project.
“The intention of Greece and Cyprus is for the research and cable-laying to proceed as planned,” Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis told the Oikonomikos Tachydromos newspaper. “Cable-laying on the seabed is protected by international law and does not require any permits,” he said.
Gerapetritis emphasized the legality and regional importance of the project. “This is a lawful project. The entire Mediterranean is covered by surface cables for energy and data transmission. The lack of maritime zone delimitation continues to provoke tension, which will persist until an agreement or referral is reached,” he said.
The French naval presence in Greek waters is also increasing. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, returning from the Indian Ocean, will dock in Iraklio, Crete, and Piraeus in the coming days.
The French frigate Alsace will also be present, with France’s defense minister, Sebastien Lecornu. scheduled to visit, following an invitation from his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias.
The visit comes after friction over the export of French air-to-air missiles to Turkey, linked to ongoing negotiations regarding the Eurofighter aircraft.
Meanwhile, Greek authorities are closely monitoring Turkish activity near Crete and Kasos. The Turkish intelligence ship Ufuk has passed through the area multiple times, alongside other naval units. While discreet, Turkey’s movements suggest heightened interest in a region also frequented by Russian warships in recent years.