Nicosia: The geopolitical risk associated with the construction of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) linking Greece, Cyprus, and Israel is deemed manageable, according to George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry. During discussions with his Greek counterpart Thodoros Skylakakis at the 2nd Greece-Cyprus Summit in Nicosia, Papanastasiou emphasized the strategic importance and potential benefits of the GSI project. Skylakakis underscored the clear support from the US and highlighted the advantages of completing the interconnection. The summit, titled “Advancing Together,” also featured discussions by ministers from both nations on cooperation in digital policy and health sectors.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Papanastasiou introduced the topics discussed at the summit, including the electrical interconnection and the burgeoning gas market. He noted Cyprus’s request for Greece’s support in transitioning to a free market and certifying its floating terminal via Greek infrastructure. Th
e conversation then shifted to the GSI, with Papanastasiou describing it as a “geopolitical and energy project” supported by a European Commission grant. Currently, ADMIE is executing the first phase between Cyprus and Crete, which will ultimately connect Cyprus to the broader European grid.
Skylakakis confirmed the project’s progress, with cable construction underway and research activities ongoing. He expressed optimism that Cyprus’s involvement would attract significant international investment. Addressing concerns about geopolitical risks, Skylakakis assured that US backing mitigates these risks, stressing that the project’s nature does not impinge on seabed rights. Papanastasiou concurred, noting that risks are inherent but manageable through diplomacy, operational oversight, and alliances with major investors.
Discussions also delved into digital transformation, with Cyprus’s Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianos, and Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, D
imitris Papastergiou, outlining plans for the “e-Citizen” application. Damianos highlighted Greece’s valuable experience in digitizing services, which will inform Cyprus’s efforts. The application, set to launch on December 5, will initially include ID cards, driving licenses, and vehicle inspection certificates. Future interoperability between Cyprus and Greece’s digital platforms is anticipated by early 2025.
Moreover, the summit addressed economic collaboration. Greek Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Christos Dimas, emphasized the longstanding cooperative relationship between Greece and Cyprus, focusing on legal, fiscal, and anti-corruption issues. A recent meeting between the countries’ representatives covered economic crime prosecution, tax evasion, and rule of law enhancements.
On health matters, Cyprus’s Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos, and Greece’s Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistocleous, affirmed the two countries’ close collaboration. Damianos cited a bilateral agreement on k
idney and lung transplants as a recent achievement. He also announced plans for a January agreement with Greece, enabling Cyprus to procure certain medicines at reduced costs. Proposals for joint EU-level medicine procurement aim to secure better pricing, potentially saving Cyprus’s significant budget for innovative medicines.