Cyprus Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis stated in Nicosia Wednesday discussions are underway with Egypt and Syria concerning the exploitation of oil and gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean, expected to begin by the end of the year, reported the Iranian official news agency (IRNA).
Rolandis announced he would participate in a tripartite meeting with the petroleum ministers of Egypt and Syria to be held in Cairo before the end of this year on the issue of supplying natural gas to Cyprus from Syria, the agency quoted local press reports as saying.
The Cypriot minister's announcement was made after a meeting in Nicosia between Rolandis and Egypt's ambassador to Cyprus Omar Mohamed Metwally, who conveyed to him an invitation from Egypt's Economy Minister Boutros Ghali to visit Cairo next March for the 4th session of the Egypt-Cyprus Joint Trade Commission and to attend the inauguration of the Cairo International Fair.
A part from Egypt and Syria, Rolandis said other countries such as Lebanon would be approached.
He said he has already invited Lebanon's petroleum minister to visit Cyprus. Egypt's Petroleum Minister Sameh Fahmy visited Cyprus last month and held talks with Rolandis.
Cyprus had earlier similar talks with Syria, said the report – Albawaba.com
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