President Nikos Christodoulides said an informal understanding with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron lies behind the decision to avoid public commentary on the anticipated issuance of a NAVTEX notice linked to upcoming survey activities.
Speaking on Monday ahead of the annual general meeting of the Association of Large Investments of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nicosia, Christodoulides was asked whether there had been any developments regarding the expected NAVTEX.
"On this particular issue, as I said last week, the less we say publicly the better. This is also part of an informal understanding we have with both the Greek Prime Minister and the French President."
The president added that the Republic of Cyprus had already taken all actions required on its side.
"What I can tell you, because it concerns exclusively the Republic of Cyprus, is that we have undertaken all the actions we needed to undertake in relation to this matter."
He declined to provide further details on the process or indicate when the NAVTEX may be issued.
EU démarches over planned gas pipeline
Christodoulides also confirmed that the European Union has made representations to Türkiye regarding plans to construct a natural gas pipeline between Türkiye and northern Cyprus.
Asked about reactions from the Turkish Cypriot side to the Republic of Cyprus' démarches at EU level, the president defended the government's actions, arguing that the proposed pipeline constitutes an illegal activity.
"Of course we acted correctly. Of course the European Union has taken a position and has made démarches to the Turkish side, but I don't see why anyone should be offended."
He reiterated that the government considers the project unlawful and said the EU had already undertaken specific actions towards Türkiye, without elaborating on their content.
€25m for ADMIE "on schedule"
Asked about the release of €25 million to ADMIE, Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator, Christodoulides said all procedures were progressing according to plan and in line with existing agreements.
"Everything is proceeding according to plan. We have agreements that we honour. We are taking the necessary actions and, away from the public spotlight, we are doing what needs to be done."
While stressing that commitments were being respected, the president did not specify when the €25 million payment would be released.
