Israeli FM in Greek Cyprus for gas talks
JERUSALEM
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman begins a three-day visit to Greek Cyprus to discuss energy issues with senior officials, his office said on April 15.He will meet Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis today, Anatolia news agency reported. Among the issues on the table will be “promoting a plan to form a regional emergency aid force,” it said, Agence France-Presse reported.
In February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a landmark visit to Greek Cyprus for talks with Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias which focused on energy cooperation and economic ties. The two countries also signed an agreement to coordinate maritime search and rescue operations.
Natural gas discovery beneath Mediterranean
Both Israel and Greek Cyprus have discovered huge offshore natural gas deposits beneath the Mediterranean Sea between them, and have tentatively discussed cooperation on delivering gas to European and Asian markets. In March, Israel and Greek Cyprus signed an accord to lay an underwater electricity cable between them, the first stage in a bid to transfer power between Israel and mainland Europe.
