Drilling operations in Block 5 of Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) commenced on Friday morning, according to a statement by President Nikos Christodoulides on social media platform X.

The drilling, conducted by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy, marks a significant step in Cyprus’s energy exploration efforts. President Christodoulides emphasized the country’s goal to establish itself as an alternative and reliable source of natural gas for the European Union.

“Cyprus is moving forward with exploration activities, aiming to become an alternative and dependable natural gas supplier for the EU,” the President stated in his announcement.