A new field for cooperation between Cyprus and Russia in the sector of energy is emerging from the discovery of hydrocarbons in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Neoclis Sylikiotis said on Wednesday, after a meeting in Nicosia with Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak.
Novak, who is in Cyprus for the EU-Russia Energy Council, said cooperation between the two countries was developing and that there were good prospects linked to the possibilities of exploiting Cyprus` natural gas deposits.
Speaking after the meeting, Sylikiotis said they had the opportunity to discuss bilateral relations with emphasis on energy issues, and noted that the joint workgroup set up in 2010 for cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency would be meeting in early 2013 in Cyprus, providing an opportunity to further enhance relations in these sectors.
Sylikiotis also said they discussed the European energy policy and that he referred to Cyprus` initiatives to promote political cooperation between the EU and Russia.
Regarding the discovery of hydrocarbons in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone, Sylikiotis said a new field for cooperation between Cyprus and Russia in the sector of energy was emerging, and pointed out that Russia was a significant partner of Cyprus in all sectors.
Speaking through an interpreter, Novak said bilateral cooperation was developing and that there were good prospects linked to the possibilities of exploiting Cyprus` natural gas deposits.
He added that they discussed the continuation of cooperation with the exchange of expertise in the sector of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
Novak furthermore expressed hope that the workgroup would function on a permanent basis and would lay the foundations for the further development of bilateral cooperation in the field of energy.
CNA/RG/GCH 2012