“We remain united with our Allies and partners in our commitment to advance European energy security, reduce our collective dependence on Russian energy and maintain pressure on the Kremlin” a spokesperson for the State Department said on Wednesday.
“US policy on Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is long-standing and has not changed” the official said.
The new gas discovery off Cyprus could speed up exploitation of untapped resources and help secure supplies for Europe, Cypriot Energy Minister Natasa Pilides said earlier this week.
The minister said she had contacted Eni and TotalEnergies to “find ways to optimally exploit this discovery”.
The latest discovery adds to three other major gas finds, including at the Aphrodite well in Block 12 of 4.5 trillion cubic feet, licensed to US firm Chevron, Britain’s Shell, as well as Israeli partners.
In December, US giant ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy signed a contract for oil and gas exploration and production-sharing off Cyprus, angering Turkey.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar issued new threats against EU member-states Greece and Cyprus in the wake of the discovery, stressing that “Ankara will not allow fait accompli” as the US warned Turkey this week over its close ties to Russia.
