A series of meetings covering various issues including the promotion of the pension reform, the progress regarding the implementation of Cyprus' energy plans as well as the management of the water issue took place at the Presidential Palace, under President Nikos Christodoulides.
According to CNA sources on 14 January, with regard to the pension reform, the President, in the presence of the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance and the Minister of Finance, was informed about the preparatory work up to date and discussed the objectives of the reform, which are the adequacy and increase of pensions and sustainability of the Fund and the implementation schedule.
During the meeting on the water issue, held in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, an update was given on the current situation as Cyprus is going through one of its worst periods due to the prolonged drought, the sources said.
President Christodoulides was informed about the actions taken regarding the desalination units, the use of recycled water and the demand management measures in order to cover the water and irrigation needs to the maximum extent possible.
The same sources told CNA that during the meeting on energy issues, President Christodoulides, in the presence of the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was informed about the progress of the actions related to the LNG terminal in Vassiliko, as well as other efforts and plans aimed at ensuring the reduction of energy costs for households and businesses and the adequacy of electricity.
There was also an exchange of views regarding the progress in the commercial exploitation of natural gas deposits within the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone.
Meanwhile, the upcoming visit of government Ministers to the United Arab Emirates, which will take place this month and aiming to continue discussions for cooperation in the implementation of important energy and water projects, was also discussed.
(Source: CNA)
