Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-02-13

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 13 February 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Minister of Commerce returns from visit to Syria
• [02] Cyprus and Malta initial cooperation agreement in merchant shipping

[01] Minister of Commerce returns from visit to Syria

In a statement to the press on arrival at Larnaca airport, Mr Rolandis expressed satisfaction with the visit, during which he had a chance to exchange views with Syrian Ministers on important issues regarding Cyprus Syrian relations.

One of the basic issues discussed during his meetings was the provision of natural gas to Cyprus through a pipeline that would be created at the port of Bania in Syria. The pipeline would supply gas to Cyprus, Lebanon, Jordan and of course Syria. Apart from Syria, Egypt would also contribute to the maintenance of the pipeline.

Mr Rolandis pointed out that by the end of this summer, the Cyprus Government will have to close a deal on natural gas, to be used in the year 2006, when a fourth unit by the Cyprus Electricity Authority is set up. He said that because of the delay in constructing the pipeline, the Government is also looking at alternative solutions for providing liquefied natural gas.

The Minister said that other issues discussed were the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf between Cyprus and Syria. Mr Rolandis said on these issues, it was decided that the two countries would put their positions in writing and expressed the hope that there would be progress in the following months. Talks between Cyprus and Egypt had progressed to the stage where an agreement would be signed soon, he said adding that discussions were continuing with the rest of the countries involved.

[02] Cyprus and Malta initial cooperation agreement in merchant shipping

The negotiations were concluded with the initialling of a bilateral agreement of cooperation in merchant shipping which provides, inter alia, for the national treatment of ships of either country when they call a port of the other country, for the mutual recognition of the ships' certificates issued by the two countries as well as of the seafarer's identity documents, for cooperation in the case of a marine casualty, for the establishment of a Joint Committee for consideration of issues of common interest and for the prevention of entry of ships of one country to ports of the other country, which have been declared closed for navigation.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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