Remarks
by the Minister of Energy, Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis
at
the press conference
of the Malta Energy Conference
This
first
Energy Conference in Malta is the kick-off towards a strengthened gas
cooperation in the Mediterranean area; at the same time it sets a
significant milestone by acknowledging the important role that our
region can play in the security of gas supply of the European Union.
Our
fruitful
discussions highlighted the great advantages that a closer
co-operation could generate between the EU and non-EU countries of
the Mediterranean sea. The Mediterranean area can develop to be a new
promising source for oil and gas supply and an alternative
transportation route for the European Union; the recent gas
discoveries in the Southeastern Mediterranean can have a direct
positive impact on EU’s energy security and competitiveness.
Establishing
an
EU-Mediterranean Platform on Gas will bring together policy makers,
industry leaders, financiers, regulators and energy stakeholders; it
can facilitate the development of a common understanding between
importing and exporting states, while identifying mutually beneficial
arrangements on issues such as exploration and exploitation
activities, safety and environmental protection, export
infrastructures, financing of investments and energy security.
Energy
can and should be a catalyst for conflict resolution
and regional cooperation; Energy cooperation can have a positive
spillover effect in the political relations between the Mediterranean
countries.
Discussions
have illustrated
the vital role Cyprus can play, given the recent significant natural
gas discovery in our Exclusive Economic Zone and the very promising
prospects for further gas discoveries arising from the very ambitious
exploration programme that is currently underway by two major
European companies.
Cyprus,
being the only European Union Member State in the South-East of the
Mediterranean region and given its excellent long lasting relations
with its non-EU Mediterranean neighbors, is strategically
positioned to play a vital role in achieving our common goals.
A
Cyprus based LNG facility could offer European consumers the maximum
flexibility at competitive prices with zero transit risk; Cyprus
could develop as the first ever EU Member State to emerge as an LNG
exporter and realize the concept of an Eastern Mediterranean Gas
Corridor within the framework of EU’s policy for the
diversification of import sources and routes.
In
the longer term, Cyprus,
as the southernmost EU Member State in a volatile and troubled
region, has the potential to become a regional liquefaction hub and
contribute to the
long-term geopolitical stability, promoting peace and economic
development.
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