Cypriot FM briefs Russian companies on oil deposit exploitation

Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs George Lillikas wrapped up a visit to Moscow on Wednesday with a speech at a briefing on the exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits in the island’s exclusive economic zone.
Welcoming at the Cypriot Embassy in Moscow the representatives of 25 Russian energy and hydrocarbon exploitation companies, Lillikas said ”the government of the Republic of Cyprus believes that the time has come for Cyprus to join the research for hydrocarbons in its exclusive economic zone, an activity in which neighbouring countries have been engaged for some decades.”
Lillikas referred to research so far and announced that the Republic of Cyprus ”is offering eleven sections of research to interested oil companies,” and called on friendly countries, such as Russia, to show an interest through their companies.
Referring to existing agreements with Egypt and Lebanon for the delimitation of their exclusive economic zones, Lillikas said ”they are an example of respect of the independence and sovereignty of states, which is an element of modern political understanding.”
He added that ”Cyprus is expecting the other neighbouring countries to show a similar modern political behaviour and proceed with respective agreements.”