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The Biggest Sports Fundraising Event held on the streets of Nicosia.

On Sunday, December 8, the Quantum Nicosia Marathon 2024 turned the heart of Nicosia into a dynamic open-air sports arena. This year’s event welcomed more than 4,000 participants from 38 countries, who competed in five exciting races.
The event highlighted the capital’s rich history, culture, and renowned hospitality, making it a celebration of Philanthropy, Health, and Unity.

A Big Thank You to Our Runners!

Participants competed in the following races:

• Marathon (42.195 km)
• Half Marathon (21.1 km)
• Stelios Kyriakides 7,7 Miles Race (12.4 km)
• 5k Individual & Team Race (5.5 km)
• Quantum sMile Run (1.6 km) – A fun family run.

The scenic routes began and ended at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, weaving through iconic landmarks such as the Venetian Walls, Famagusta Gate, Liberty Monument, ancient Aqueduct, Eleftheria Square, old Town Hall, and Paphos Gate. The longer races ventured further, passing through the historic center of Kaimakli, with the Marathon and Half Marathon extending along the Green Line to the University of Cyprus campus. Marathon runners also had the opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the Athalassa National Forest Park.

The festive mood was enhanced by the musicians and DJs that were set up along the routes, who gave energy to the runners and created a great atmosphere.

A Positive & Festive 360° Experience

This year’s Quantum Nicosia Marathon included exciting events that enriched the positive and festive  atmosphere, creating a well-rounded experience.

• Evexia Expo: A wellness expo held at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, featuring health-related exhibits alongside the BIB pick up.
• Shakeout Run “One Nicosia”: On Saturday 7 December, a free guided 7 km run along the walls of Nicosia took place. This unique experience included getting to know the entire city of Nicosia, on both sides of the Green Line.
• Pasta Party: Held on 7 December, this culinary event featured live music by Dee Jay Radio, and pasta from Pizza Hut’s Pasta Brava and set the festive tone for race day.
• Interactive seminar: Science & running
  In the framework of the Evexia Expo, on Saturday 7 December, sports scientists from the Cyprus Sports Medicine Research Centre shared their expertise with runners of all levels. The overwhelming participation of the running community encourages us to organise similar free seminars in the future.
• Documentary Screening
  After the seminar, attendees had the opportunity to watch the documentary “Boston: the Documentary”. The documentary included extensive coverage of Stelios Kyriakides, the legendary winner of the 1946 Boston Marathon, highlighting the values of endurance, determination and philanthropy that embody the spirit of the marathon.
• Winners’ Festival
  This year, a vibrant Winners’ Festival took place on Sunday, December 8, alongside the races in the park next to the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. Embracing the message “All Winners,” the festival brought together individual runners and running clubs, who set up their tents within the park, creating a lively and festive atmosphere filled with food and drink.
• Recovery Support
  Ice Power, the official recovery sponsor, along with physiotherapists from the European University Cyprus, provided immediate support to runners post-race.

Nicosia’s Warm Embrace

The Quantum Nicosia Marathon would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of the city and its people. Runners from 38 countries repeatedly praised Nicosia as an exceptionally hospitable city, highlighting the warmth and kindness they experienced throughout their visit. The seamless collaboration with local authorities, organisations, and more than 200 Volunteers ensured a truly world-class event.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Our dedicated Volunteers
• Nicosia Municipality
• Cyprus Police – Traffic Division
• Traffic Wardens and Cleaning Teams
• OKYPY Ambulance Service
• Podilates Lefkosias Cycling Club
• Cyprus National Guard
• ELDYK (Greek Force in Cyprus)
• Green Dot Cyprus

Charitable Character

This year’s event maintained its strong charitable character. Μore than 78,000 euro was raised from registrations and additional donations. All net proceeds were allocated to the following organizations:

• Alkinoos Artemiou Foundation
• Little Heroes Foundation
• Cyprus Autistic Association
• Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Heart Disease
• Committee of Parents and Relatives of National Guard  (PEMSE)
• Nicosia Municipal Multicultural Centre

 Special Thanks to Our Supporters

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our Platinum Ambassador, Quantum Energy
and our supporters:

• Deputy Ministry of Tourism & Love Cyprus Running
• Ice Power
• Health Aid
• Laiko Cosmos trading & Nature Valley
• Agros natural mineral water
• Prime isotonic drinks
• Cyens Centre of excellence
• Runner store & Saucony Greece
• ACS Courier
• Pizza Hut
• DeeJay Radio

Greater Things Are Coming!

As we look to the future, preparations are already underway for an even more spectacular Quantum Nicosia Marathon, set to take place on 7 December 2025. Building on this year’s success, our vision is bold: to welcome more runners from around the globe, inspire more families to discover the joy of running, and create an even bigger celebration of community, culture, and sport in the heart of Nicosia.

Our aim is to make the 2025 Marathon not just a race, but an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. We want to turn the streets of Nicosia into a vibrant stage where athletes of all levels – seasoned runners, amateurs, and children – come together to share in the spirit of endurance, determination, and philanthropy.

Beyond running, we’ll continue to integrate cultural highlights, entertainment, and local traditions, ensuring the Marathon remains a true reflection of the city’s heart and soul. From organised cheering squads to special events along the route, the 2025 Marathon will deliver moments of joy and inspiration that will remain in the hearts of participants and spectators alike.

Together, let’s raise the bar higher and make the Quantum Nicosia Marathon 2025 a landmark event, showcasing Nicosia as a hub of athleticism, hospitality, culture, and unity!

By Dr Ioannis Kasoulides

From ancient history to the present time, our island, Cyprus, was, and, will remain the connecting link between the nations of the East and the West, between Asia and Europe.

Cyprus has always been a serene island offering stability, peace, security, and tranquillity in stormy times. That is, what everyone sought, from merchants to philosophers and visionaries.

And we reach the 21st century, with our island sailing towards new destinations, aiming at the progress and development of the country. Society has experienced tragedies, ignoring brief temptations, always looking to the future, hoping for a better tomorrow.

The last 60 years have been perhaps the most difficult in our recent history, full of challenges. But Cyprus is coping and moving towards a better future.

Cyprus developed its own identity with hospitality deeply rooted in its foundation. It is a modern society with a multicultural identity, highly educated human resources, brilliant scientists, and successful visionaries who excel both at home and abroad.

Along with progress, divine nature endowed us with the wealth we did not know we had. Recent energy discoveries have made Cyprus a focal point on the world energy map, a commodity that must be responsibly managed, always guided by respect for the environment.

For the first time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus, the lifting of its energy isolation has become a reality. Cyprus is fast transforming into a regional energy hub.

With the electrical interconnection of the large-scale project – the EuroAfrica Interconnector – which will be complete in December 2023, we can achieve “Energy Independence”.

Having secured participation of leading partners from Europe and renowned advanced technology manufacturers, the project will be a point of reference, incorporating the world’s largest submarine electricity power cable, reaching record depths.

We conceived the vision for this project in 2011 after the tragedy at Mari that decimated our energy infrastructure, in our hearts and minds there is a determination of “never again”. Our guiding principles are that Cyprus will never relive days of energy exclusion.

Cyprus is entitled to enjoy energy sufficiency, independence and, why not, prospects for electricity exports and transmission from countries with surplus energy to high-demand markets in Europe.

With the inclusion of electrical energy from renewable sources and “clean” solar energy, the project of the Egypt-Cyprus-Crete interconnection with Europe will unite continents with economic benefits of over €10 bln for the countries involved.

This interconnection and transmission of electricity is directly in line with the “Green Deal” vision of Commission President, Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, for production and transfer of “clean” electricity from RES with prospects for exports from Cypriot producers and units, both from the public sector and private energy producers.

With a capacity of 1,000 megawatts in the first phase, and the ability to double it to 2,000 megawatts in the next stage, this project, through its connection to the energy market, will help reduce the cost of electricity for consumers and increase the rate of productivity of the Cypriot economy, and subsequently its competitiveness.

The benefits are many, the prospects numerous. But the main goal remains, to lift the energy isolation of Cyprus, the last EU member state, without electrical interconnection and energy independence.

So, let us proclaim the new “Energy Independence” of Cyprus so that both we and the next generations can enjoy and appreciate.

Dr Ioannis Kasoulides is Former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus and Chairman of the Strategic Council of EuroAfrica Interconnector.

Announcement – English Announcement – Arabic

Prioritises the promotion of Projects of Common Interest of the highest importance for the European Union

Nicosia, 22 December, 2020 – The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, has reiterated his “full support” to the project of greatest importance EuroAfrica Interconnector during his address delivered at the “8th Energy Symposium 2020” in Nicosia, organised by the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE) and the communications conferences company Financial Media Way.

In his speech, the President briefly explained the energy strategy of the Republic of Cyprus, which is based, on the basis of a comprehensive strategic planning, with the aim of:

● lifting the energy isolation of Cyprus, through the mutually beneficial cooperation with countries of the greater neighbouring region;

● the development of an internal energy market and the gradual transition of Cyprus to green energy and a “cyclical economy”;

● the utilisation of hydrocarbon resources within the Republic’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Energy Minister Ms. Natasa Pilidou, Speaking at the 8th Energy Symposium.

“In relation to the pillar of lifting the energy isolation of Cyprus, I remind you that the promotion of Projects of Common Interest of the utmost importance for the European Union was set as a priority.”

“We provide full support to the EuroAfrica Interconnector, which will connect Cyprus with Egypt and Greece via a submarine cable, which will essentially be the interconnected ‘electricity highway’ that connects Africa and the Middle East with Europe.”

Speaking at the 8th Energy Symposium, Energy Minister Ms. Natasa Pilidou referred to the strategic aspirations of the Republic of Cyprus, such as ensuring the energy supply of Cyprus, the transition to clean energy, based on the objectives of the EU “Green Deal” targets and the creation of a competitive energy market and the utilisation of domestic Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

The Minister of Energy also referred to the importance of the EuroAfrica Interconnector project, which will connect the electrical systems of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, through a submarine cable.

As the developers of the EuroAfrica Interconnector project, which is implemented according to strict timeframes with the aim of its timely implementation by December 2023, we welcome the practical support expressed once again by President Nicos Anastasiades and Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou.

We remain faithful to our commitments both to the Republic of Cyprus for the lifting of the energy isolation of Cyprus as the last non-interconnected EU Member State, and to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, which acknowledges the 2,000 megawatt project as the interconnected ‘electricity highway’ that connects Egypt, the Middle East and Africa with Europe through Cyprus.

Announcement – English Announcement – Greek Announcement – Arabic

Nicosia/Cairo, October 26, 2020 – EuroAfrica Interconnector, project developer of the electricity interconnection linking the electricity grids of Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, welcomes the Trilateral Declaration issued by the Presidents of Cyprus and Egypt and the Prime Minister of Greece with which they express their full support to the EuroAfrica Interconnector.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece

The Joint Declaration, issued in Nicosia after the meeting between H.E. President Nicos Anastasiades of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. President Abdel Fattah el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt and H.E. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of the Hellenic Republic, said:

“We reaffirmed the importance of the establishment of the EuroAfrica project, as an electricity interconnector between the grids of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, that promotes the trilateral cooperation and enhances the security of energy supply, not only of the countries involved but also of Europe, as it will create a highway for the transmission of significant amounts of electricity generated from gas from the Eastern Mediterranean fields but also from renewable energy sources.

“The EuroAfrica Electricity Interconnector constitutes an important component of the strategy to accelerate the development of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Corridor as a new alternative source of energy supplies from the region to the European Continent and vice versa. In this regard we look forward to the swift signing by our respective ministers, of a memorandum of understanding which sets forth the framework of cooperation to enable the timely implementation of the project, reflecting our shared commitment towards this goal.”

The EuroAfrica Interconnector is the ‘electricity highway’ which interconnects Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, and creates an energy hub for Africa and the Arab world. The landmark 498km electricity interconnection between Egypt and Cyprus will be operational by December 2023.

“We thank the leaders of Cyprus, Egypt and Greece for their full support to the EuroAfrica Interconnector at the Nicosia Trilateral Summit, a truly historic meeting that ensures the three countries will strive towards achieving energy security in the eastern Mediterranean and lift Cyprus out of its energy isolation,” said EuroAfrica Interconnector CEO Nasos Ktorides.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector, the 2,000MW electricity interconnector, remains committed as part of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s vision target of the “Green Deal” for cleaner energy, reduction of emissions and efficient use of electricity.

Announcement – English Announcement – Greek Announcement – Arabic

Nicosia, October 26, 2020 – EuroAfrica Interconnector, the project developer of the electricity interconnection linking the electricity grids of Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, welcomes the meeting of the Energy Ministers of Cyprus and Greece in Nicosia.

The Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mrs Natasa Pilides and the Greek Ministers for the Environment and Energy, Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis, met at the Presidential Palace on the sidelines of the 8th Trilateral Leaders Summit Cyprus-Greece-Egypt which took place in Nicosia.

Dr Ioannis Kasoulides, Chairman of the EuroAfrica Interconnector Strategic Council, Mrs. Natasa Pilides, Cyprus Minister for Energy and Industry, and Mr Kostis Hatzidakis, Greece Minister for Environment and Energy.

The two ministers reiterated their willingness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Cyprus, Greece and Egypt, for the promotion of the EuroAfrica Interconnector electricity interconnection project.

During the same meeting, the two ministers had a constructive discussion about energy matters, such as the participation of their respective countries in the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, as well as the latest developments in relation to the Projects of Common Interest (PCI) EuroAsia Interconnector and the EastMed gas pipeline.

EuroAfrica Interconnector is the “electricity highway” that interconnects Egypt with Europe, thr0ugh Cyprus, and establishes Egypt as an energy hub for Africa and the Arab world.

“We thank the two ministers, responsible for energy matters, who continue to support in every possible way the 498km electricity interconnection landmark project between Egypt and Cyprus which will be commission in December 2023, as well as the European project PCI3.10 EuroAsia Interconnector which will also be commissioned in December 2023,” said EuroAfrica Interconnector CEO Nasos Ktorides.

EuroAfrica Interconnector, the 2,000MW electricity energy interconnection, remains committed as part of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s “Green Deal” vision for cleaner energy, reduction in emissions and more efficient use of electrical energy.

Announcement – English Announcement – Greek Announcement – Arabic

Nicosia/Cairo, October 13, 2020 – EuroAfrica Interconnector, project developer of the electricity interconnection linking the electricity grids of Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, announces the appointment of Sotiris Kyprianou as the new Branch Manager for the EuroAfrica Interconnector Cairo office.

Mr. Kyprianou (MSc in Energy, University of San Francisco) joins the landmark 498km electricity interconnection between Egypt and Cyprus that will be operational by December 2023, with a strong engineering background working also at Tesla headquarters in Palo Alto, California. He takes over as new Branch Manager for the Cairo office as of October 1, 2020.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector is the ‘electricity highway’ which interconnects Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, and creates an energy hub for Africa and the Arab world.

“We thank our outgoing Cairo Branch Manager, Walid Ramadan, and Deputy Ayman Abdelmohsen, who have been valuable assets. We wish them every success in their new endeavours,” said EuroAfrica Interconnector CEO Nasos Ktorides.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector, the 2,000MW electricity interconnector, remains committed as part of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s vision target of the “Green Deal” for cleaner energy, reduction of emissions and efficient use of electricity.

Announcement – English Announcement – Greek Announcement – Arabic

Nicosia, September 23, 2020 – EuroAfrica Interconnector, project developer of the electricity interconnection linking the electricity grids of Egypt and Europe, through Cyprus and Greece (Crete), congratulates the seven energy ministers who signed the charter turning the East Med Gas Forum into an international body.

This historic event, with the ministers of Egypt, Greece, Israel, Cyprus, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority signing the charter during a virtual ceremony, paves the way to cooperating on infrastructure and facilitating development of regional energy markets.

In Nicosia, the charter was signed by Cyprus Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou, in the presence of the ambassadors of Jordan, Italy, Egypt, Israel and the United States.

“We congratulate the leaders of the partner countries who had the vision to establish this platform that will develop a sustainable regional gas market,” said EuroAfrica Interconnector Strategic Council Chairman and former Cyprus Foreign Minister Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides.

The East Med Gas Forum was originally founded in 2018 following the discoveries of large natural gas deposits near Egypt and Israel. It was officially established as an international body on January 16, 2020 and it was agreed that the headquarters be located in Cairo, Egypt.

The Forum’s aim is to serve as a platform that brings together gas producers, consumers and transit countries to create a shared vision and establish a structured systematic policy dialogue on natural gas through cooperation in the technical and economic fields.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector is the ‘electricity highway’ which interconnects Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, and creates an energy hub for Africa and the Arab world.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector, the 1,000MW landmark electricity interconnector, remains committed to facilitating the transmission of electrical energy from regional producers to Europe, especially from renewable sources of energy, as part of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s vision and target of the “Green Deal” for cleaner energy, reduction of emissions and efficient use of electricity.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector will start in Egypt and take the subsea route where it will connect at the Cyprus station.

The Cyprus-Greece (Crete) interconnection PCI 3.10.1 will be commissioned by December 2023 and the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnector PCI 3.10.2 will also be completed by December 2023.

Announcement – English

Nicosia, September 18, 2020 – The EuroAfrica Interconnector, the official project developer of the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnection, has received binding bids from two leading global cable suppliers for the high-voltage subsea interconnection.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector is the ‘electricity highway’ which interconnects Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, and creates an energy hub for Africa and the Arab world.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector will start in Egypt and take the subsea route where it will connect at the Cyprus station.

The Egypt-Cyprus section will be 498 km and its lowest sub-sea point will be 2,200 metres below sea-level.

This follows the recent announcement by the Republic of Cyprus that issued the final building permit for the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnection EuroAfrica Interconnector.

The issue of the relevant permit provides the green light for the construction of the HVDC converter station, for which Siemens has been chosen as the preferred constructor.

Already, the Planning and Housing Bureau of the Republic of Cyprus has approved since November 2019 the planning permit for the HVDC converter station with a capacity of 2,000 MW, as well as the landing points of the subsea cable that connects the electricity networks of Cyprus and Egypt with Greece (Crete) and the EU.

In June 2019, the 33-year land lease agreement was signed at the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry for the construction of the HVDC converter station in Cyprus, with the project developer having the option to renew the lease for two more periods of 33 years each. The necessary environmental, technical and other studies have already been completed and the relevant permits received from the Cyprus authorities.

The construction cost for the first phase of the Egypt-Cyprus interconnection with a transmission capacity of Stage 1 of 1,000MW is estimated at €1 bln, with significant social and economic benefits for all the countries involved. The Cyprus-Greece (Crete) interconnection will be commissioned by December 2023 and parallel to this, the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnector will also be completed by December 2023.

We express our warm thanks to the Government of Egypt and for the personal support of H.E. the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Announcement – English Announcement – Greek Announcement – Arabic

Nicosia, September 10, 2020 – Sir Christopher Pissarides, Nobel prize laureate and Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, has been appointed Chairman of the Economic Council of EuroAfrica Interconnector, the Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnector.

Prof. Pissarides, universally acknowledged for his contribution in economics, in February 2020 was picked by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to chair the committee tasked with the long-term growth strategy for Greece.

“It is a great honour for us that we welcome a distinguished economist and highly respected academic such as Dr. Pissarides, contributing his knowledge and extensive wisdom,” said EuroAfrica Interconnector Strategy Council Chairman and former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides.

“We are building bridges between continents, as Egypt’s electricity grid will be connected to Europe, through Cyprus, and Egypt becomes a major energy hub for the Arab World and Africa,” Dr. Kasoulides added.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector will be commissioned in December 2023 and through an investment of €1 bln will contribute significant social and economic benefits for all the countries involved. With an initial capacity of 1,000 MW in Stage 1, the interconnector will also contribute to the monetisation of Egypt’s vast energy resources, mainly from renewables and the recent discoveries of hydrocarbon deposits.

We are honoured that Nobel prize winner Prof. Pissarides is joining EuroAfrica Interconnector and will be playing a key role in the vision and implementation of the EuroAfrica Interconnector Egypt-Cyprus electricity interconnector.

The EuroAfrica Interconnector is the ‘electricity highway’ which interconnects Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, and creates an energy hub for Africa and the Arab world.

Announcement – English-Arabic-Greek

Nicosia/Cairo, August 20, 2020 The Athanasios Ktorides Foundation, supporting cultural, educational, environment, health and sports programmes since 2008, in collaboration with the EuroAfrica Interconnector, the leading electricity interconnector project linking the national grid of Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, are proud to grant 15 scholarships for the 2020/2021 academic year to individuals with Egyptian citizenship for Undergraduate, Graduate and Post-Graduate studies in leading universities of Egypt, Cyprus and Europe.

The scholarships are awarded to candidates in a wide range of subjects and specialisations, and are awarded only for full time studies.

Regulations – English

Announcement – English Announcement – Arabic

Nicosia/Cairo, June 30, 2020 – The Athanasios Ktorides Foundation, supporting cultural, educational, environment, health and sports programmes since 2008, in collaboration with the EuroAfrica Interconnector, the leading electricity interconnector project linking the national grid of Egypt with Europe, through Cyprus, are proud to grant 15 scholarships for the 2020/2021 academic year to individuals with Egyptian citizenship for Undergraduate, Graduate and Post-Graduate studies in leading universities of Egypt, Cyprus and Europe.
The scholarships are awarded to candidates in a wide range of subjects and specialisations, and are awarded only for full time studies.

Regulations and application forms for the Athanasios Ktorides Foundation/EuroAfrica Interconnector Scholarships will be posted on http://www.ktoridesfoundation.org

The EuroAfrica Interconnector, that will help transform Egypt into a regional energy hub between Africa, the Arab world and Europe, is utilising the years of experience and know-how that the Athanasios Ktorides Foundation has accumulated ever since it was established in 2008 in educational and scholarship programmes, organising and sponsoring athletic events, hosting and supporting cultural programmes and events, supporting the activities of UNICEF Cyprus and sponsoring community activities.

For the third year in a row, the Athanasios Ktorides Foundation has awarded scholarships to students at leading universities in Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and United States. The Foundation also supports permanent grants for students at the University of Cyprus, as well as students at the University of Piraeus, with a special interest in sustainable energy.

The Foundation’s latest project is supporting a day-school for children treated for cancer at the Makarios Pediatric Hospital in Nicosia, under the auspices of the President of the House of Representatives.

The Athanasios Ktorides Foundation and the EuroAfrica Interconnector also encourage the establishment of warm brotherly relations between the people of Egypt and Cyprus, through various activities, including twinning programmes between communities.

Press Release – English

Press Release – Arabic

NICOSIA, April 27, 2020 – EuroAfrica Interconnector, the Project Developer of the 2000MW electricity interconnector that links the national grids of Egypt with Cyprus, announces that it has entered into direct negotiations with Siemens for the construction of the VSC Converter Station in Egypt.

The contract encompasses the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation of the Stage One 1000MW VSC Converter Station in Egypt that will be connected to the VSC Converter Station in Kofinou, Cyprus.

Stage One of the 1000MW EuroAfrica Interconnector will be operational by December 2023.

Press Release – English

Nicosia/Cairo, October 11, 2019 – The Heads of State and Government of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, H.E. President Nicos Anastasiades and H.E. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, issued a joint declaration at the conclusion of the 7th Trilateral Summit, held in Cairo on October 8, 2019, expressed their desire to continue strengthening their cooperation in matters of energy.

In this regard, the joint declaration by the three leaders said, “they recognised the importance of establishing an electrical grid between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, such as the framework agreement between the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and the Euro Africa Interconnector Company on 22 May 2019.”

The Management of EuroAfrica Interconnector, project developer of the HVDC subsea cable with an initial capacity of 1,000MW, welcomes the joint declaration of support and reiterates its commitment for the timely implementation of the Egypt-Europe interconnection via Cyprus.

Press Release – English

Joint Declaration Press Release – English

Framework agreement signed in Cairo for implementation of 2000MW EuroAfrica Interconnector between Egypt and Cyprus

Nicosia/Cairo, May 23, 2019 – A historic framework agreement was signed in Cairo for the construction and commissioning of the EuroAfrica Interconnector which will interconnect the electricity networks of Egypt and Cyprus by the project promoter, EuroAfrica Interconnector Limited.

The agreement was signed in the main hall of the Council of Ministers of Egypt by EuroAfrica Interconnector CEO Nasos Ktorides and Eng. Sabah Mohamed Mashal, Chairperson of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company. Also present at the signing ceremony were the Prime Minister of Egypt, Moustafa Madbouly, Eng. Gaber Dessouki, Chairman of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, Dr. Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, former Cypriot foreign minister and Chairman of the Strategic Council of the EuroAfrica Interconnector Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides, Cyprus Ambassador to Cairo Haris Moritsis, senior Egyptian government officials and EuroAfrica Interconnector executives.

The signed agreement follows the conclusion of viability studies conducted by the EuroAfrica Interconnector which showed the benefits of the project, as well as its maturity, allowing it to enter the implementation stage.

The agreement provides for the development of an electricity interconnection with the use of subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables with eth capacity to transmit 2,000MW. Furthermore, the agreement provides for the interconnection to be completed in two phases, the first being for the transmission capacity of 1,000MW which will be implemented within the timeframes and assurances provided to President El-Sisi.

In June 2018, President El-Sisi declared his full support and hailed the strategic relations between Egypt and Cyprus in all fields and highlighted the implementation of several and major electricity infrastructure projects which reinforce Egypt, transforming the country into an important power transmission and energy hub between Africa, Arab countries and a major electricity provider to Europe through Cyprus.

In statements after the signing ceremony that took place in the main hall of the Council of Ministers of Egypt, Dr. Ioannis Kasoulides, Chairman of the Strategic Council of the EuroAfrica Interconnector said: “Today, with the historic signing agreement between EuroAfrica Interconnector and the Egyptian authorities, the first major electricity interconnection project linking Africa with Europe has been realised. Cyprus now becomes a major hub for the transmission of electricity from Africa to Europe, and Egypt establishes itself as a regional energy hub for the transmission of electricity from Africa to the Arabian peninsula. This is the first practical implementation of the vision of our foreign policy for the relations with the region of the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Dr. Kasoulides added: “This is a historic day for our countries, for Egypt and Cyprus, as the national electricity grid of Egypt will be linked to the European electricity system through Cyprus and will contribute to energy security, as well as the welfare and progress of our two nations. I am especially grateful for the continued support to the project by His Excellency President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi. The fact that he is briefed and personally monitors the developments which relate to the project, shows underlines the importance that is attributed to this project by the government of Egypt.”

CEO Ktorides said: “I am greatly please that we are now entering the implementation stage of this highly emblematic project. As project promoters, we are committed to the timely implementation and commissioning of the EuroAfrica Interconnector electricity interconnection within the determined timeframe that has been agreed and which is our priority. I thank the government of Cyprus and Egypt, and especially President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi for his trust and support expressed to the project promoter. I further thank the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and its chairman, Eng. Gaber Dessouki for the impeccable cooperation we have had until today and which has been necessary for the completion of the project.”

The Minister of Electricity Dr. Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi expressed his full support to the EuroAfrica Interconnector, explaining that the signing for the historic agreement is the start of the project that will achieve social, economic and political benefits for the countries concerned. He said that this historic project is of great importance to Egypt’s strategic plan for economic development and energy security, and the EuroAfrica Interconnector is connecting Egypt to the European electricity network through Cyprus. Egypt will be an important electricity and energy partner for the European Union.

Press Release – English

Press Release – Greek

Nicosia/Cairo, May 7, 2019 – EuroAfrica Interconnector, the official Project Developer of the Egypt-Cyprus-Crete-Attica subsea electricity interconnection, welcomes the participation of H.E. the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, in the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing.

Speaking at the BRF, attended by 30 state leaders and government representatives, H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised that people deserve a better future and that co-building of the Belt and Road will usher in a better world.

President Xi Jinping also expressed China’s commitment to friendship and a win-win cooperation with other countries, an initiative which the EuroAfrica Interconnector welcomes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that with such a huge volume of investment for international cooperation as the Belt and Road Initiative, it is a “very important opportunity for enhancing the capacity to implement the sustainable development goals and an important opportunity to launch green perspectives in the years to come.”

The EuroAfrica Interconnector welcomes sustainable development goals (SDGs) that aim to provide clean energy, cheap electricity and security of supply that will transform Egypt into a regional energy hub for Africa and Europe through Cyprus.

The Project Developer is working intensively for the timely implementation of the EuroAfrica Interconnector.

Press Release – English