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On his part Israeli Minister of Energy and Water Resources Silvan Shalom stressed that relations between the two countries are not only based on the economy but are also “geopolitical and strategic”.
The two men were addressing an official ceremony for the inauguration of the Limassol Desalination Plant.
“In view of the fact that my Government is moving forward with determination with the construction of an LNG plant, in order to realize the significant potential of becoming the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy hub, I invite the Government of Israel to seriously consider committing to exporting Israeli gas from the LNG facility”, President Anastasiades noted in his address.
This, he added, “is all the more pertinent if one takes into account that Cyprus is perhaps Israel’s most stable partner in the region”.
He highlighted the fact that “our proximity to the Suez Canal is an important factor favouring the creation of a regional energy hub in Cyprus for the transportation of natural gas from Eastern Mediterranean countries, not only to Europe, but also to the Far East”.
“All of the above constitute key components of Cyprus’ vision not only as regards our energy co-operation with Israel, but also as regards energy co-operation in Eastern Mediterranean”, he said.
The Cyprus President further pointed out that a “web of natural gas transportation projects in the Eastern Mediterranean will serve as a means to potentially strengthen regional energy security and attract foreign investments, leading to job creation; this should serve as a boost to the economies of our region”.
He also spoke of the role energy could place in contributing to the peace and stability in the region to the benefit of all.
“Energy should not be a source of conflict, but a tool for conflict resolution and regional integration”, he said.
President Anastasiades expressed the hope that “we will soon have the opportunity to inaugurate many other projects that will be commonly undertaken by various entities, from both the public and private sectors of Israel and Cyprus, resulting in increased prosperity for both our nations, such as this vivid example of the Consortium Mekorot, Logicom and Demetra Investments”.
During his address he also spoke of “the great importance of adopting technology and learning from technological know-how of our neighbours in Israel, whose level of technological expertise is second to none”.
Therefore, he added, “I would like to request the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the State of Israel, Mr Shalom, to convey our gratitude to my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for the cooperation, help and support that was tangibly provided and continues to be provided by Israel”.
Referring to the new desalination plant he pointed out that “together with the existing plants already operating and those that are being upgraded, now guarantee that not only Limassol, but all of Cyprus, will never go thirsty again”.
On his part Shalom also pointed out the significance of the new desalination plant and the fact that it was built by the National Israeli Company. I think, he said, it shows that we can work (together) on many fields, in water, energy and other fields”.
“I think we can work together because we look at Cyprus as one of the main and central allies of Israel in our region and as a whole”, he stressed.
Referring to the problems the Middle East is faced with he said that Cyprus was “a solid rock and a very good friend of Israel in all fields”.
Cooperation in the fields of water and energy, he pointed out, “shows the strength of the alliance between Israel and Cyprus, economically and politically as well”.
He thanked President Anastasiades for his recent visit to Israel and for promoting better relations between Israel and other countries, conveying “a message of friendship” on the part of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Giorgos Lakkotrypis, Israeli Minister of Energy and Water Resources Silvan Shalom and Greek Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Yiannis Maniatis will be meeting on Thursday in Nicosia and are due to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of energy and water resources. — (KYPE)
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