The EU should provide assistance to Cyprus` efforts to develop its natural gas reserves in its exclusive economic zone, for these reserves will contribute to the economic boost and enhancement of the island`s competitiveness, Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis has said.
Addressing Friday the Energy Union Conference in Riga, the Minister said that the EU will be able to boost its own energy security by exploiting its own sources.
He added that for EU to have a united voice towards its foreign partners there should be a better coordination within the Union. The Minister also pointed out that third countries need to show respect to the acquis communautaire and the international law.
Lakkotrypis furthermore said that energy infrastructure is the basis of the internal market and should be further developed so that all members states can be connected with a transeuropean electricity and natural gas network.
CNA/KCH/GV/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY