“These exercises are of paramount importance in strengthening the Navy’s connection with foreign fleets who share common interests,” he added. Israel, Greece and Cyprus have taken a number of steps in recent months to cement ties, including advancing plans to build a 2,000 megawatt undersea electricity cable and a 1,900-kilometer (1,300-mile) undersea gas pipeline. Greece and Cyprus are embroiled in a dispute with Turkey, which has sent gas prospecting vessels into waters claimed by Greece and drilling ships into an area where Cyprus claims exclusive rights. The tension brought NATO allies Greece and Turkey close to open conflict last year, but tensions have eased since then. Israel and Western countries view Hamas as a terrorist group.

Source: Egypt Independent March 12, 2021 14:15 UTC