The issue of the economic zones of Cyprus and Israel was the focus of discussion at yesterday's meeting between the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr Nicos Rolandis and Israel's Ambassador Mr Michael Eligal.
In his statement after the meeting, Mr Rolandis said that a series of issues regarding Cyprus - Israeli relations were discussed, including the issue of the exclusive economic zone of the two countries in view of the fact that Israel is conducting investigations regarding the existence of petroleum deposits in the Mediterranean Sea area. He said that there was a preliminary discussion, since Israel is one of the countries with which Cyprus must sign an agreement regarding the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone.
Mr Rolandis pointed out that trade relations between the two countries are good with trade reaching 200 million dollars a year. Referring to tourist relations, the Minister said that the number of tourists from Israel has decreased considerably and for this reason the two sides are examining ways to boost the numbers of Israeli visitors to Cyprus. He praised Israel's achievements in high technology adding that Israel is an example for imitation.
Replying to press questions, Mr Rolandis said that, for a country like Israel to proceed with a search for petroleum deposits in its territorial waters, an agreement must first be made on the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone.
Mr Rolandis, also had a meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador to Cyprus Mr Omar Metwally, with whom he discussed his forthcoming visit to Cairo, as well as issues regarding the relations between Cyprus and Egypt.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Rolandis said that he would be visiting Egypt towards the end of March, heading a trade delegation, with the aim of further enhancing trade between the two countries.
During his meeting with Mr Metwally, he also had the opportunity to discuss the issue of provision of natural gas to Cyprus through an underwater pipeline that would start from Syria and to which Egypt would contribute. The delay in the process of the construction of the pipeline between Egypt and Syria was one of the issues of discussion, he said.
Mr Rolandis underlined that time is of great importance since by the year 2006, Cyprus must start receiving natural gas either through the underwater pipeline or a terminal for liquefying de-liquefied gas. For this reason, final decisions must be made by September, he added.
Source: PIO
In his statement after the meeting, Mr Rolandis said that a series of issues regarding Cyprus - Israeli relations were discussed, including the issue of the exclusive economic zone of the two countries in view of the fact that Israel is conducting investigations regarding the existence of petroleum deposits in the Mediterranean Sea area. He said that there was a preliminary discussion, since Israel is one of the countries with which Cyprus must sign an agreement regarding the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone.
Mr Rolandis pointed out that trade relations between the two countries are good with trade reaching 200 million dollars a year. Referring to tourist relations, the Minister said that the number of tourists from Israel has decreased considerably and for this reason the two sides are examining ways to boost the numbers of Israeli visitors to Cyprus. He praised Israel's achievements in high technology adding that Israel is an example for imitation.
Replying to press questions, Mr Rolandis said that, for a country like Israel to proceed with a search for petroleum deposits in its territorial waters, an agreement must first be made on the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone.
Mr Rolandis, also had a meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador to Cyprus Mr Omar Metwally, with whom he discussed his forthcoming visit to Cairo, as well as issues regarding the relations between Cyprus and Egypt.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Rolandis said that he would be visiting Egypt towards the end of March, heading a trade delegation, with the aim of further enhancing trade between the two countries.
During his meeting with Mr Metwally, he also had the opportunity to discuss the issue of provision of natural gas to Cyprus through an underwater pipeline that would start from Syria and to which Egypt would contribute. The delay in the process of the construction of the pipeline between Egypt and Syria was one of the issues of discussion, he said.
Mr Rolandis underlined that time is of great importance since by the year 2006, Cyprus must start receiving natural gas either through the underwater pipeline or a terminal for liquefying de-liquefied gas. For this reason, final decisions must be made by September, he added.
Source: PIO
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