‘Very positive’ meeting on gas use

President Nikos Christodoulides and CEO of Italian multinational oil and gas company Eni Claudio Descalzi had a “very positive” meeting at the presidential palace on Tuesday.

Also present was Energy Minister George Papanastasiou who told the media afterwards the latest developments had been discussed, including Cyprus’ plans with Israel for the transport of natural gas.

“We discussed how quickly we can develop the reserves in block six and the surrounding area, we mean hold further discussions to then formulate a plan for the development of the reserves,” he said.

The minister added that they also wish to further analyse the option of Cyprus importing natural gas to generate electricity.

Papanastasiou said the proposed energy projects with Israel were also raised – “which ENI views positively, as long as there are the quantities that would justify infrastructure development in Cyprus for the purpose of exporting liquefied natural gas”.

Descalzi said he had a “very positive meeting” with the president and said the company plans to drill in block six by the end of the year.

Asked about the proposed pipeline between Cyprus and Israel, he said that ENI always supports the government, and this issue is part of the discussions.