In an atmosphere of enthusiasm and with US praise for the Vertical Corridor, the Greece - US Strategic Dialogue is taking place in Athens. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made it clear that Greece constitutes a secure and critical energy hub for American LNG, opening the way for the gradual independence of the Balkans and Ukraine from Russian natural gas. «We want to develop a secure supply chain. It is something we will build through the Vertical Corridor, which has established Greece as a secure energy hub for the transport of American LNG» Rubio pointed out during joint statements with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis following their meeting in Athens. Moreover, the US Secretary of State pointed out that his presence in Athens underlines «how important the historic Greece - US alliance is», while emphasizing that Greece constitutes an indispensable NATO ally and a pillar of stability for the US presence in the region. «We need strong partners with history like Greece. Our partnership is grounded in trade, security, energy, and cultural exchanges» Rubio stressed.
Gerapetritis: Greece an anchor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean
For his part, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis spoke of a high level in Greek-American relations, emphasizing that «cooperation with the US has never been stronger». «Greece is an anchor of stability in Eastern Mediterranean», highlighted the Foreign Minister, adding that, as the country prepares to assume the presidency of the European Council, it places particular emphasis on respect for International Law. Referring to defense cooperation, he noted that Greece and the US have the capability to jointly face challenges, citing Alexandroupoli as a characteristic example. «Collective security requires every ally to assume its own responsibilities», he characteristically stated. Giorgos Gerapetritis also referred to the presence of American energy giants in Greece, pointing out that Chevron and ExxonMobil «underline confidence in the Greek economy». 
The Vertical Corridor has as its core philosophy the transport of natural gas from the South to Central and Eastern Europe, with Greece located at the starting point of the route. The network connects Greece with Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and further toward Central Europe, while its extension to the Western Balkans is now also being examined, with the participation of Serbia and North Macedonia in the relevant processes. The strategic importance of the venture is twofold: on the one hand, it creates alternative supply routes for natural gas, and on the other, it enhances the possibility of utilizing American LNG in European market.
Alexandros Exarchou and the "national" project
A central role in the commercial side of the venture is held by Alexandros Exarchou, President and CEO of the AKTOR Group and CEO of Atlantic See LNG Trade. He has repeatedly characterized the Vertical Corridor not merely as a commercial project, but as a «national effort», arguing that energy security cannot be treated exclusively in terms of cost. According to the position expressed by Exarchou, the goal is not to completely replace a single source of natural gas, but to create a real alternative and achieve a balance between different energy suppliers. In this context, he has stated that the capacity to move approximately 8-10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually could alter the energy balance in region.
Atlantic See and American LNG
At the heart of this strategy lies Atlantic See LNG Trade, a joint venture structure between AKTOR and DEPA Commercial. The company has moved to secure long-term quantities of American LNG, aiming to supply not only the Greek market but also markets along Vertical Corridor. In February 2026, Alexandros Exarchou had stated to Reuters that Atlantic See was in negotiations for long-term supply agreements of American LNG and for supplying countries such as Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, Austria, and potentially Ukraine. The project acquires even greater importance in view of Europe's gradual independence from Russian natural gas, as the need for new sources and supply routes increases.
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