The electrical interconnection project linking Cyprus and Greece through the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is now “very close” to reaching the stage of construction, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.
Christodoulides described the entry of a French investment company into the project as “crucial”, saying it was significant for both its financial and geopolitical dimensions.
Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to the Enosis Neon ‘Trust’ Nicosia sports club, the President was asked to respond to comments by opposition parties DISY and AKEL concerning the financial aspects of the GSI.
He said that, for the first time since discussions about the project began in 2012, therehad been substantive developments towards its implementation.
French investment seen as a turning point
Christodoulides said the participation of the French investment company was particularly important to the project’s prospects, while stressing that developments were advancing on the basis of an understanding and full agreement with Greek PrimeMinister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The GSI was discussed on Tuesday in Cairo on the sidelines of the trilateral summit between Cyprus, Greece and Egypt, the President said.
On Wednesday, a meeting was also held at his diplomatic office with the French embassy, specifically to discuss the interconnector project.
Meanwhile, Mitsotakis was in France on Wednesday and was due to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, with the GSI also expected to be discussed.
President points to August agreement
Christodoulides also referred to discussions held around the middle of August withMacron and Mitsotakis, saying these had since helped create a new environment for advancing the project.
“After the understanding reached around 15 August with the French President and theGreek Prime Minister, for the first time since 2012, when this idea began, we are veryclose to the stage of starting, so that there can be results,” he said.
The President’s comments come as efforts to secure the financial and strategic backing needed to move the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection towards implementation gather pace.
Source: CNA
