The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of energy plans, due to geopolitical developments, during a meeting with a delegation of Chevron, headed by Javier La Rosa, on Wednesday morning at the Presidential Palace.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michalis Damianos, and the Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the President stated that the internal process regarding the host government agreement (for the transport of Cypriot natural gas to Egypt) is nearing completion. He noted that, in light of international and regional developments, the need to expedite the implementation of the Republic of Cyprus’ energy planning has become even more pressing.
He also emphasized that advancing the Republic’s energy plans is of particular importance both for the wider region and for the European Union, at a time when energy security, diversification of energy sources, and Europe’s energy autonomy are at the forefront of the European agenda.
President Christodoulides added that the issue was also discussed during the informal meeting of the European Council, which took place in Cyprus last week, underlining the geostrategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean for the EU’s energy security and outlook.
He further noted that internal procedures are expected to be completed in the coming weeks and that decisions will be taken by the Council of Ministers as part of the planned course of action.
The President added that the matter was also discussed with the President of Egypt on the sidelines of the informal European Council, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in advancing specific energy projects and linking the region’s energy prospects with Europe’s needs.