Cyprus may certainly have a key role in EU energy security, Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister, George Papanastasiou, said on Friday, indicating that there is a route to Europe from the eastern Mediterranean via Egypt to the European markets. Papanastasiou made the remarks after meeting on Friday with the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, whom he briefed on energy developments.
After the meeting, Papanastasiou said that he had a very constructive discussion with the President of the Parliament on energy issues. He added that Demetriou requested a full briefing regarding the existing planning and ongoing developments ahead of a visit the Minister will pay to Israel.
He also said that specific questions were asked regarding the Vasilikos terminal, its construction and operation, which were explained. He added that energy issues concerning the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone were also covered.
Asked by journalists whether Cyprus may have a key role in EU energy security and whether natural gas can be transported from Cyprus to the European Union, he said that "of course it may have a key role", saying that there is a route to Europe from the eastern Mediterranean via Egypt to the markets of Europe.
In his introductory remarks at the meeting with Demetriou, the Minister said that "we hope that we will be able to make a plan that is up-to-date and fits in the new environment, which is the environment of Russia's invasion in Ukraine and which has caused a serious energy crisis mainly in Europe".
Papanastasiou said that we should "put Cyprus first", noting that this is the goal of Christodoulides' government. He explained that "Cyprus first" means that the energy costs for the Cypriot citizen and industry should be reduced and this in turn will reflect on the economy. He said that "we should look at our transition to green energy and when I say transition, we may be talking about natural gas because of the fact that it happens to be in our neighborhood but our final destination is green energy which should be produced because of the sunshine we have in Cyprus".
Demetriou conveying the message on behalf of all the Members of the House of Representatives stated that "we expect and look forward to, and I am certain that we will have a good cooperation.' Our position, Demetriou added, is that Cyprus may truly play a key role in fostering synergies and cooperation, especially in the region, so that Europe can also achieve its goals.
In addition, according to a statement from the House of Representatives, it is noted that the Minister had the opportunity to discuss with the President of the House of Representatives issues related to industry, trade and consumer protection.
It is also noted that the President of the House of Representatives, noted that the need for close cooperation between the executive and the legislature, particularly on energy-related issues, was confirmed by both sides, for the benefit of citizens.
Source: Cyprus News Agency