U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaking to a large gathering of Greek Orthodox clergy and laity in Philadelphia, U.S., said that the Greek economy is making a comeback.

He also said that the exploration of natural gas in the region could help boost the recovery and change the geopolitics of the area.

Mr. Biden spoke also of the importance of religious freedom and asked the reopening of a long-closed Orthodox seminary on the Turkish island of Halki.

“The protection of holy places and heritage sites in Turkey is absolutely necessary,” Biden said adding that “It’s a two-way street. Muslims deserve the same freedom in Greece.”

Also, the U.S. Vice President referred to the Cyprus issue by describing the lack of actions on the topic as “one of the biggest disappointments” of his career.

But, he hoped that in the near future there will be a fair solution, noting that both sides have now reached a point where the status quo is no longer enough and a solution will benefit both of them.