Cyprus’ Aphrodite gas field; strategic asset for resilient ties with Egypt

Cyprus and Egypt enjoy strong bilateral relations and all-round co-operation in various fields, particularly energy. As soon as Cyprus signed a strategic and tactical agreement to link its Aphrodite gas field with Egypt, ties have been reaching a new historic level, a senior diplomat said in an interview with Amwal Al Ghad English.

Michalis Michael, Press Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to Cairo, said the linkage agreement is expected to bring economic benefits and energy independence to Cyprus.

Aphrodite, discovered in 2011 about 170 km (105 miles) from Limassol, has a crucial link with Egypt, Michael added. The field’s partners, Chevron and Shell, plan to construct an underwater pipeline.

No disruption in Aphrodite works amid Gaza war

Michael pointed out that the third drilling at the Aphrodite gas field, which concluded on July 13, 2023, is expected to bring positive news. This drill was carried out to determine the gas quality and volume, the Cypriot official noted. He even does not foresee the Gaza situation would cause any disruption to this.

This pipeline will link the Aphrodite field to a pre-existing production facility in Egypt, which is being discussed now by the Cypriot government, Michael stated.

This project is anticipated to bring substantial economic gains and bolster Cyprus’s energy self-sufficiency, he said, expecting it to start commercial production in 2027.

He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming tripartite summit between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, which will take place in Egypt soon, according to Egyptian foreign minister’s recent statement.

This summit presents a great chance to strengthen the collaborative ties between Egypt and Cyprus, Michael concluded.