President Nikos Christodoulides met Chevron’s new president, Javier la Rosa, in New York, to discuss the development of the Aphrodite natural gas field, with government officials saying that the energy giant’s presence represents a vote of confidence in the island’s exclusive economic zone.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said following Thursday’s meeting that strict adherence to development timelines remains a government priority for energy projects in Cyprus’s waters.
“It was the first meeting between the President of the Republic and Chevron’s new president Javier la Rosa,” Letymbiotis told reporters.
“The president reaffirmed the close cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Chevron, and the fact that the presence of such a company in Cyprus’s EEZ constitutes a vote of confidence”.
Offshore geological surveys underway for pipeline to Egypt
The spokesman confirmed that offshore geotechnical and geological surveys for subsea installations began in June, focusing on pipeline routing to Egypt. Officials expect completion of pre-front-end engineering design work by year-end.
Christodoulides and Chevron representatives agreed to maintain regular contact through the relevant ministry, with the president personally monitoring progress on energy development plans.
Government prioritises strict adherence to development schedules
“The timelines that have been set have been discussed, and it is known that in the government’s energy planning, strict adherence to schedules is among the priorities,” Letymbiotis said. “What has been discussed is that all timelines are being met so far”.
The government recently signed a significant agreement with Egypt, which officials described as a landmark deal creating conditions for developing the gas field as soon as possible.
When asked whether Chevron’s confidence sends messages amid geopolitical developments, Letymbiotis said the company’s years-long investment in Cyprus’s EEZ with dynamic presence “sends messages in all directions.”
“The fact that Chevron and the Republic of Cyprus have very close cooperation, as well as the company’s commitment to developing the Aphrodite field, the first field where natural gas was discovered in Cyprus’s EEZ, is a strong vote of confidence both for developing our natural wealth and for the geopolitical significance of Cyprus’s EEZ,” he concluded.
Read more:
