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Cyprus is a key partner for Israel as it aims to create an energy bridge between East and West, Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday.
His comments ahead of a scheduled meeting in Jerusalem with Energy Minister George Papanastasiou highlighted the renewed impetus shared between the two countries to develop major energy projects.
“The enduring alliance and shared vision between Israel and Cyprus resonate powerfully, and in the present era, the energy sector assumes a pivotal role as a bedrock for fortifying the bonds between our nations.”
He emphasised that: “Cyprus stands as an indispensable partner in the realisation of this audacious vision.”
President Nikos Christodoulides explained last month that the plan is centred on creating a pipeline from Israel to Cyprus to transport natural gas – meaning cheaper energy on the island – along with a facility which will liquefy the gas, therefore helping Israel export more of its product.
“It is within this context that my fervent vision of propelling the state of Israel into a vibrant energy bridge connecting the East and West finds its manifestation, steadfastly contributing to regional stability,” Katz said.
For his part, Papanastasiou said that the two sides had “fruitful talks”.
“We discussed about how the current energy crisis highlights the need for energy diversification, security of supply and an increased focus on the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Israel as well as on how Cyprus can serve as a gateway for Israeli gas to Europe,” he said.
His visit to Israel is a follow up to last month’s flurry of announcements on major proposed energy projects between the two countries, catching many by surprise.
Papanastasiou emphasised at a workshop last month that the primary aim is to secure cheaper energy in Cyprus, and gas could begin arriving from Israel within 18 months – once the agreements are finalised and investment begins.
Christodoulides previously emphasised that the project, as part of the wider energy concerns facing Cyprus, is of the utmost priority for the government.
“The eastern Mediterranean has enough (gas) deposits. Most are inside Israel’s exclusive economic zone, but Cyprus has sufficient quantities as well for this project to materialise,” Papanastasiou explained earlier this month.
The minister told the Sunday Mail that the pipeline now being focused on is about 190km and is not to be confused with the originally mooted EastMed pipeline which was planned to run for 1,900km, travelling via Greece and into mainland Europe.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Mail
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