As part of Israel's efforts to strengthen its position as an influential regional energy center, a high-level delegation headed by Yossi Dayan, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, visited Cyprus.

The visit focused on supporting the Mediterranean Electricity Interconnection (GSI) project, which aims to connect Israel's electricity network to the electricity networks of Cyprus and Greece.

During the visit, Dayan stressed the compatibility of the GSI project with the national strategy for the energy sector, which focuses on the rise of Israel as a major player in the regional energy market.

The GSI project represents an essential link to integrate the Israeli electricity network with the European network, and enhance energy flexibility and security by providing backup energy supplies during emergency situations.

The delegation, which included high-level officials, such as the Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Authority, Mr. Amir Shavit, and the CEO of Noga, Saul Goldstein, held important discussions with their counterparts in Cyprus.

The meetings – held with Manos Manousakis, CEO of the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), and Charalambos Roussos, Director of the Energy Department at the Cypriot Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry – reflected the extent of joint cooperation moving forward to realize the GSI project.

The Mediterranean Electrical Interconnection (GSI) project consists of two main parts: the first connects Israel and Cyprus, and the second connects Cyprus and Greece (Crete), while facilitating the connection of Greece to the mainland through the Crete-Attica link.

With the foundational phases of the project underway, the focus is now on accelerating the decision-making process on the Israel-Cyprus connection.

Minister Eli Cohen's long-term vision aims to enhance the integration of energy infrastructure across the Mediterranean region, stimulate energy trade between countries in the region, in addition to enhancing energy security. This initiative would contribute to diversifying energy resources and consolidating Israel's position as a major energy exporter in the region.

This important visit comes as an extension of the successful visit of the Cypriot Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, Georgios Papanastasiou, to Israel earlier this year. The two countries pledged to work together actively to complete the Mediterranean Interconnection (GSI) project, strengthen their partnership within the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) and lay the foundations for regional cooperation in the field of energy.