Discussions between the two sides focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy and electricity, in addition to discussing the possibility of implementing the electrical interconnection project between the two countries, which is considered a strategic step towards achieving regional energy integration.
During the meeting, President Christodoulides affirmed that “Lebanon is the closest country to Cyprus,” and indicated that the two countries “are working together closely and have excellent relations,” adding: “We will work to develop a tangible project for electrical interconnection, which is essential to request political and economic support from the European Union.”
For his part, Minister Fayad stressed Lebanon’s interest in strengthening cooperation in the energy sector with Cyprus, and explained that “the electrical interconnection represents a real opportunity to develop the energy infrastructure in the two countries, and open new horizons for investment in this vital sector.”
In a related context, Minister Fayad held an expanded working meeting with the Cypriot Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, where the two sides exchanged views on how to enhance energy security and develop electricity networks. It was agreed to establish joint technical teams to follow up on the technical details of the project.
The meeting was attended by the Cypriot Ambassador to Lebanon, Maria Hadji Theodosiou, the member of the Electricity Regulatory Authority in Lebanon, Dr. Daniel Jouha, the Director General of the Cypriot Ministry of Energy, Marios Panagides, and the Directors of Energy and Hydrocarbons Services in the Ministry, Charalambos Rousos and Stelios Nicolaides.
