Efforts to strengthen energy cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt, and the role of the Eastern Mediterranean as a pillar of energy security and a source of natural gas supply to Europe, were at the centre of the participation of Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry George Papanastasiou at the ADIPEC 2025 International Energy Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi.
On the sidelines of the event, the Minister held a series of meetings with leading figures of the international energy market.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Energy, Papanastasiou has been holding a range of contacts and interventions since Tuesday within the framework of ADIPEC 2025, which takes place in Abu Dhabi from 3 to 6 November.
The Minister participated on Tuesday in a panel discussion titled “East Mediterranean offshore collaboration and gas flows”, alongside Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi. The discussion focused on prospects for further deepening Cyprus–Egypt cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector, based on agreements already signed for the development of the “Cronos” and “Aphrodite” natural gas fields in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus. These include three commercial agreements and a Host Government Agreement for “Cronos”, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding for the commercialization of “Aphrodite”.
Emphasis was also placed on the role of regional cooperation and the opportunities offered by the Eastern Mediterranean to strengthen energy security and ensure natural gas supply to Europe, the announcement adds.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Papanastasiou also held bilateral meetings with senior representatives of the energy industry, including Eni’s Chief Operating Officer Guido Brusco, ExxonMobil’s Vice President John Ardill, and Arcius Energy CEO Naser Al Yafei. Arcius Energy is a joint venture between BP and XRG (a subsidiary of ADNOC), established in 2024 to invest in natural gas and low-emission solutions. He also met with McDermott’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Maurizio Coratella.
During his visit to Abu Dhabi, the Minister gave interviews to international and regional media, including Sky News Arabia and Argus Media, presenting Cyprus’ energy prospects and its strategies for sustainable development and enhanced regional cooperation.
Papanastasiou is travelling to Athens on Wednesday evening, where he will represent the Republic of Cyprus at the 6th Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Partnership Meeting, to be held on 6–7 November.
(Source: CNA)
