Cyprus Advocates For Stronger Cross-Border Cooperation In Water And Energy Sectors At World Utilities Congress

During the World Utilities Congress 2025, Meropi Christofi, the Cypriot Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the need to update water distribution systems with renewable energy. She stressed that significant public investment in water infrastructure is essential. Christofi also called for private sector involvement to ensure these projects have the desired impact.

Ambassador Christofi noted Cyprus's close ties with the UAE, describing their cooperation as a model for international collaboration. The UAE has supported Cyprus by providing water desalination units capable of producing 50,000 cubic metres. This initiative helped Cyprus tackle its water scarcity issues and serves as a positive example of nations working together in strategic areas like water and energy.

Cyprus benefits from European Union funding and the Just Transition Fund as an EU member state. Ambassador Christofi expressed gratitude for the European Investment Bank's focus on water infrastructure projects. She confirmed that Cyprus is working on several initiatives with the bank's support, emphasising that financial backing is crucial for these efforts.

The ambassador underscored that without adequate financial resources, such initiatives would be impossible. She reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships and cross-border cooperation in enhancing energy security through improved water management.

In her statements to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Christofi described Cyprus and the UAE's relationship as a growing partnership. She highlighted it as a successful example of cross-border collaboration, particularly in addressing shared challenges like water scarcity.

The ambassador concluded by emphasising that integrating renewable energy into water networks is vital for sustainable development. She called for continued collaboration between governments and private sectors to achieve long-term goals in energy security and resource management.

With inputs from WAM