Current geopolitical developments require deeper regional cooperation, diversification of supply sources and routes and strengthening energy infrastructure, Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Michalis Damianos, said at the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), held in Washington, at the headquarters of the US Chamber of Commerce.
According to a press release by the Ministry of Energy, the meeting was attended by the Energy Ministers of the Forum’s member states, while observers included the United States Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, as well as representatives of the European Union and the World Bank.
Damianos, in his intervention, it said, underlined the strategic role of the EMGF as a pillar of regional cooperation and energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean. “He reiterated the support of the Republic of Cyprus in the further development of the Organisation and its Long-Term Strategy, emphasising that natural gas must remain at the core of its activities, alongside the development of collaborations in sectors such as hydrogen, electricity interconnections, power systems and renewable energy”, it adds.
The Minister, it said, pointed out that current geopolitical developments require deeper regional cooperation, diversification of supply sources and routes and strengthening energy infrastructure “He also stressed that the Eastern Mediterranean can significantly contribute to Europe’s energy security as a reliable alternative source of supply, while noting that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union creates additional opportunities to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the EU and the region”, it adds.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Damianos held a bilateral meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi. During the meeting, the two Ministers discussed progress on joint Cyprus-Egypt energy projects, particularly regarding the development of the “Cronos” and “Aphrodite” natural gas fields, as well as prospects for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, it said.
The Minister also held a meeting at the White House with Jarrod P. Agen, Executive Director of the National Energy Dominance Council, during which they discussed energy policy and security issues, as well as opportunities to further deepen energy cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States, it adds.
On Tuesday, Damianos is to participate in the Atlantic Council’s Eastern Mediterranean Energy Business Forum and deliver remarks at the 41st Annual PSEKA Conference.
On Wednesday, he is to take part in a high-level discussion at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum on “Europe’s Path from Energy Crisis to Lasting Resilience”.
On Thursday, he will travel to Houston to attend the Ministerial Meeting of the 3+1 cooperation framework and the official inauguration ceremony of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center at the Baker Institute of Rice University.
CNA/EAN/EPH/2026
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
