Investment funds from the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and the United States are showing keen interest in participating in the Great Sea Interconnector project, aimed at electrically connecting Cyprus, Greece, and Israel.

As stated by the Minister of Energy, Giorgos Papanastasiou, on the state radio during his visit this week to Abu Dhabi, investors have been found to complete the funding of nearly two billion euros required for the completion of the project's first phase.

The Energy Minister added that the project has already begun with the order of the cable to be laid, costing one billion two hundred million euros.

Mr. Papanastasiou also mentioned the Vasilikos terminal, emphasizing that March is a crucial month for its progress.

The Energy Minister expressed hope that, with ongoing political-level contacts between the Republic of Cyprus and China, there will be goodwill to complete the project, despite significant delays.

>>LNG Terminal Case: Growing Shadows and Questions - State Officials' Responsibilities in Focus<<

Mr. Papanastasiou highlighted the importance of bilateral meetings set to occur next week at a level higher than that of ambassadors. He stressed that any failure by the Chinese consortium to complete the terminal would not go unnoticed by the European Union.