‘Aphrodite’ is trending

Recent developments suggest intriguing behind-the-scenes energy planning by the Greek Cypriot administration. These include the mid-September visit of Greek Cypriot Energy Minister Yorgos Papanastasiou to Israel, and meetings held by Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in New York during the UN General Assembly with senior executives from Exxon Mobil and Chevron, companies operating within the self-proclaimed Greek Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Kathimerini newspaper, in an article titled "Aphrodite Back on the Agenda," reported that discussions centered on plans for blocks 5 and 10 within the unilaterally declared Greek Cypriot EEZ, as well as the long-standing dispute between Southern Cyprus and Israel regarding the Aphrodite gas field in block 12.

The newspaper provided background on the Aphrodite gas field issue, stating that following 2022 and the finalization of Chevron's development plan for the field, negotiations between Israel and Southern Cyprus accelerated, with a potential resolution expected in the coming months.

Beyond the "Great Sea Interconnector" (GSI) project, the Aphrodite gas field was reportedly discussed during Papanastasiou's September 16 meeting with Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen. The newspaper anticipates a visit by an Israeli official to Southern Cyprus in November for the signing of a final agreement.