Mediterranean pact on gas pipeline

TEL AVIV, April 4, 2017 – Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Italy on Monday signed an agreement that will see the countries work towards the construction of a pipeline to transport Israeli and Cypriot gas to Europe.

At some 2,200 kilometres, the proposed subsea pipeline would be the longest-such conduit in the world. At Monday’s quadrilateral gathering, the countries involved said they would be seeking funds to the tune of USD 6-7 billion for the project.

“This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship between four Mediterranean countries – Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Italy,” National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Minister Yuval Steinitz said following the proceedings in Tel Aviv.

“From now on, our country started to be an important player in the world energy sector,” he added.

First gas transports are tentatively scheduled for 2025.

Image: AFP, jack Guez

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