Cyprus government proceeds with Great Sea Interconnector preparations

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that the government has completed all necessary procedures to facilitate undersea surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. During the annual general meeting of the Association of Major Enterprises in Nicosia, the President stated that the payment of 25 million euros to the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO/ADMIE) is proceeding according to the established schedule.

Regarding the issuance of a NAVTEX for the underwater research, Christodoulides declined to provide specific details, citing an informal agreement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron to keep project developments away from public scrutiny. He emphasized that limiting public statements serves the project's strategic interests. Separately, the government has formally complained to the United Nations regarding illegal research activities previously conducted by the Turkish vessel 'Akdeniz Arastirma 1' within Cyprus's maritime zones, clarifying that this action is distinct from the GSI project.

On the issue of a planned natural gas pipeline between Turkey and the occupied territories, the President reiterated that such actions are illegal. He noted that the European Union has already taken specific diplomatic steps toward the Turkish side to address these violations, maintaining that the Republic of Cyprus continues to act firmly against illegal activities in the region.