The role of the Republic of Cyprus in regional and international energy developments has been strengthened, Cypriot Minister of Energy, Michael Damianos, has said, referring to his participation in the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, in Washington, which he described as “one of the most important international platforms for dialogue on the future of energy.” As he said, it “highlighted the strengthened role of the Republic of Cyprus in regional and international energy developments.”
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Damianos said that during the meetings held in Washington with government officials, companies and stakeholders from the energy sector, the priorities of the Republic of Cyprus were presented and that “specific ways to strengthen cooperation” were discussed in the fields of energy, investment and energy security.
Damianos pointed out that the Eastern Mediterranean “has significant prospects” and can contribute to the “diversification of energy sources and routes,” as well as to economic growth and the stability of the wider region.
In this context, he placed particular emphasis on the importance of the “3+1’’ format between Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States, which, as he noted, creates the conditions for “joint initiatives with tangible results” and strengthens strategic cooperation in the region.
At the same time, he said that on Thursday he will travel to Houston for the Ministerial Meeting of the 3+1 format, with the aim of “further deepening our cooperation” and shaping “specific next steps.” On this occasion, the four countries will inaugurate the “Energy Centre for the Eastern Mediterranean,” which will provide “significant technocratic support” on issues concerning energy projects and infrastructure.
According to the Cypriot Minister of Energy, the Centre is expected to operate for the benefit of the countries of the 3+1 format, but also more broadly, for the promotion of energy security, stability and regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
(Source: CNA)
