Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In mid-September this year, the governments of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Italy, Greece, Cyprus met in Cairo and established the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and joint efforts to develop offshore gas fields. This caused clear opposition from Ankara, according to the Jamestown Foundation (USA).

Experts believe that growing tensions between Turkey and its neighbors, given the high transit costs and infrastructure required to bring these energy resources to market, could undermine the success of the gas forum.

Ongoing tensions between Turkey and Greece in the Mediterranean are increasingly on the EU and NATO agendas.

France is fighting with Germany for leadership in resolving tension in the region. The French navy is based in the Mediterranean, and Paris is seeking to increase its influence and presence in the region in part by selling French arms to Greece and Cyprus.

Events in the Eastern Mediterranean may enter a new phase of development after the November US presidential elections if J. Biden wins. The Biden administration can become more active in the region and begin close cooperation with Greece to contain Turkey.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the Russian Federation and France are working to increase their influence in the region through a more passive US policy. Meanwhile, Beijing is watching developments in the region. China’s energy security - unlike the EU - is largely independent of the Mediterranean. However, there are suitable conditions for the participation of Chinese companies in the region’s current and future energy projects. This will further intensify intraregional rivalry, since the parties are vying to attract Chinese investment.

However, if it is possible to carry out constructive cooperation in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, this could become a catalyst for the final resolution of the Cyprus conflict.