Cyprus Energy Minister, Natasa Pilides, said on Thursday that Eni-Total joint venture’s next drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone will probably take place this month as soon as the drilling rig concludes its work in Egypt.

In statements on the sidelines of the Famagusta Business Forum, Pilides also said that ExxonMobil-Qatar Energy will begin seismic research in the summer, most probably within June, in block 5 of Cyprus’ EEZ and probably for some parts of block 10 as well.

The Minister also stressed that Cyprus has joined efforts to end EU energy dependency on Russian natural gas.

Responding to questions by journalists, Pilides noted that the Eni-Total joint venture will most probably proceed with a second drilling in 2022.

She said that there are continuous contacts with the EU, Cyprus has joined efforts to end EU energy dependency on Russian natural gas “and we hope that we will have developments on this very soon.”

Asked about the purchases of drilling rigs by Turkey, Pilides said that this does not halt Cyprus’ energy plans.

“Certainly the support by the EU and the fact that Cyprus, Israel and Egypt have joined the plans for the provision of natural gas to the EU is a very important development which we consider will help speeding up our own programme,” she added.