Cyprus and Israel's Energy Ministers, George Papanastasiou and Eli Cohen, have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing joint energy projects. Key among these is the construction of the submarine electric cable, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, which will link Israel to Cyprus and onwards to Europe. This project has been designated as a top priority for this year.

During Papanastasiou’s visit to Israel, the ministers convened in Tel Aviv alongside senior officials from both ministries. A joint press release issued post-meeting detailed their discussions on energy cooperation, recognizing the significant potential benefits for both countries. Their talks focused on strengthening the regional alliance and continuing to advance shared energy projects, particularly the Great Sea Interconnector.

Additionally, Papanastasiou and Cohen deliberated on various initiatives for developing natural gas transmission infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. This included the Cyprus Gateway initiative, which aims to transport Israeli and regional natural gas via Cyprus to Europe.

The meeting also addressed the urgent need to resolve the issue of the cross-border Aphrodite - Ishai natural gas reservoir.

Prior to their meeting, the ministers visited the Reading Power Station in Tel Aviv. Joined by Yossi Dayan, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Energy, and experts from both ministries and Israel’s Electricity Authority, they explored establishing the submarine electricity connection at this location.

Israeli Minister Cohen highlighted Cyprus as a crucial regional ally in energy, emphasizing the importance of the electricity cable project in enhancing Israel’s regional standing and contributing to its energy independence. This project also responds to Europe’s need to diversify energy sources amidst the current energy crisis and offers Israel backup from the European power grid in emergencies.

Papanastasiou echoed these sentiments, noting the shared vision between Cyprus and Israel for the Eastern Mediterranean. He thanked Cohen for the hospitality and the opportunity to advance energy cooperation, especially in electricity and natural gas. The discussions were fruitful, focusing on ensuring close coordination for the prompt and successful completion of the Great Sea Interconnector.

Furthermore, Papanastasiou underscored their commitment to reaching an agreement on the Aphrodite – Ishai issue and to collaborating in developing natural gas resources within their respective Exclusive Economic Zones, leveraging infrastructure synergies. He emphasized Cyprus's potential role as a natural gas gateway to European markets, contributing to a reliable East Med energy corridor that diversifies sources and routes.