Cairo, Egypt. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said energy security is a matter of national and regional importance, speaking at the Egypt energy exhibition (EGYPES) in Cairo on Monday. He said the regional situation threatens stability and is reshaping the global energy landscape.
Energy security framed as strategic issue
Christodoulides said “energy security is not only an economic issue but also a national security, regional stability and strategic autonomy issue”. He stressed the urgency of bolstering resilience against geopolitical and energy-related disruptions, saying it is paramount to strengthen preparedness against such disruptions.
Cyprus-Egypt ties and visit context
The president said the trip was his sixth visit to Egypt since taking office and called it a reflection of the strength of the two countries’ friendship and partnership, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy. He also described Egypt as his “second home” and said his family roots are in Alexandria.
Framework agreement on gas field development
Energy Minister Michalis Damianos is accompanying Christodoulides and is set to sign a framework agreement with Egyptian counterpart Karim Badawi for the development of the Kronos and Aphrodite gas fields. Christodoulides said the latest agreement is “a key step towards the commercialisation of our gas resources”.
Damianos’ conference participation and meetings
During the conference, Damianos is scheduled to participate in a ministerial roundtable on energy priorities, geopolitical realities and national security, alongside officials including Lebanon’s Energy Minister Joseph Saddi and the European Commission’s energy director-general Ditte Juul Jorgensen. He is also due to hold separate meetings with East Mediterranean Gas Forum secretary general Osama Mobarez and executives from BP, Arcius and ExxonMobil.
What do you see as the most important priority for strengthening preparedness against geopolitical and energy disruptions?