Next annual conference of Energy Charter to take place in Cyprus

The 23rd annual Conference of the Energy Charter, the most prominent international energy organization for the cooperation on energy investments and trade, took place recently in Warsaw. EU Member States participated under the coordination of the Cyprus Presidency.

According to an official press release, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Neoklis Sylikiotis, commenting on the outcome of the conference welcomed the fact that the next conference of the Organization will take place in Cyprus at the end of 2013.

At the Conference it was agreed that the Energy Charter’s Working Group on the issues of Energy Investment will be chaired by George Shammas, current chairman of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority.

The Energy Charter and the Polish Government extended their appreciation to the Cyprus Presidency for its contribution to the outcome of the Conference and welcomed Cyprus’ involvement to the Energy Charter’s future operations.

Cyprus thanked the Energy Charter Secretariat and the Polish Government for their cooperation, organization and hospitality, while expressing its readiness to host the 24th Energy Charter Conference.

In light of the recent discoveries of large quantities of oil and natural gas which place Cyprus on the international energy map, the above achievements will boost Cyprus involvement in the global energy issues and assist its role as a rising player and facilitator in the regional energy market, the press release notes.

The Energy Charter has 51 member countries across the globe, which include all Member States of the EU, the USA, Russia, Turkey and Japan.

Its main objective is to provide a legal basis and an efficient framework for international energy cooperation, on the principles of open, competitive markets with level playing field and sustainable development and use of energy.