Cyprus and Egypt enjoy strong bilateral relations and all-round cooperation in various fields, particularly energy. As soon as the two countries signed a strategic and tactical agreement to link its Aphrodite gas field with Egypt, ties have been reaching a new historic level, a senior diplomatic official said in an interview with Amwal Al Ghad English. Michalis Michael, Press Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to Cairo, said the linkage agreement is expected to bring economic benefits and energy independence to Cyprus. Aphrodite, discovered in 2011 about 170 km (105 miles) from Limassol, has a crucial link with Egypt, Michael added. The field's partners, Chevron and Shell, plan to construct an underwater pipeline. No disruption in Aphrodite works amid Gaza war He pointed out that the third drilling at the Aphrodite gas field, which concluded on July 13, 2023, is expected to bring positive news. This drill was carried out to determine the gas's quality and volume. The Cypriot official doesn't foresee the Gaza situation causing any disruption to this. This pipeline will link the Aphrodite field to a pre-existing production facility in Egypt, which is being discussed now by the Cypriot government, Michael noted. This project is anticipated to bring substantial economic gains and bolster Cyprus's energy self-sufficiency, and it is expected to start commercial production in 2027. Cyprus-Türkiye unfortunate conflict Michael also discussed the impacts of Türkiye's actions in Cyprus, saying that the Turkish invasion severely damaged the Cypriot economy, especially in sectors of agriculture, tourism, mining, and quarrying. However, he highlighted that the shipping sector suffered the most due to the embargo that Türkiye imposed. He explained that Türkiye had imposed a ban that prevents Cypriot-flagged vessels from entering its ports and Cypriot aircraft from using its airspace. This ban, which Türkiye is enforcing, contradicts international and European law, causing significant damage to both Cypriot and European shipping, Michael warned. The maritime and air traffic embargo that Türkiye has enforced is costing Cyprus a substantial economic price. He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming tripartite summit between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, which, will take place in Egypt soon, according to Egyptian foreign minister's recent statement. This summit presents a great chance to strengthen the collaborative ties between Egypt and Cyprus, Michael concluded.
