Israel and Cyprus Discuss Energy, Tourism Amid COVID-19

By: Aryeh Savir

A Cypriot delegation led by President Nicos Anastasiades arrived in Israel on Sunday to discuss the European energy market, the shared gas project, and tourism amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides.

Israeli Minister of Energy Yuval Steinitz met with Cypriot Minister of Energy Natasa Pilides and discussed the EastMed gas pipeline, the connection of the electricity system between the countries, and the attempt to reach an agreement on the Aphrodite and Yishai gas reservoirs.

The EastMed pipeline, the longest underwater pipeline in the world, will connect the Israeli and Cypriot gas fields through Greece to Europe. It is estimated that the project will provide 10% of Europe’s natural gas.

The two countries agreed to recognize each other’s Green Passport given to citizens who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and which enables them access to culture and tourism. This agreement will enable tourism between the two countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Anastasiades in Jerusalem, during which he highlighted the two working “tirelessly and effectively to build a very special partnership between Cyprus and Israel. And through our common efforts, I think we have ensured that our relationship is constantly growing stronger all the time.”

Israel and Cyprus cooperate in energy, water, tourism, technology, healthcare, public security, and emergency services.

He noted that the Abraham Accords with four Arab countries have “opens up options for new regional cooperation that can involve Cyprus as well.”

“We already see this through the involvement of Arab countries in the East-Med Gas Forum. They’re coming to our gas cooperation, and that’s a sign of the future. I think this is only just the beginning,” Netanyahu stated.

Some 35 trillion cubic feet of gas have been found in Israeli waters, worth some $500 billion.

These crucial discoveries are enabling Israel to become energy independent and have also turned Israel into a major player in the international energy-exporting market.

The Israeli government is expected to earn NIS 17 billion in royalties from the gas discoveries. Additionally, the windfall profits levy is expected to reach up to 10 billion a year by 2040.

  (TPS)