Noble Energy, Delek Drilling and Avner Oil Exploration, holders of a License for the exploration of hydrocarbons in Block 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ, have declared the commerciality of the Aphrodite natural gas field.

The Cyprus government has welcomed Delek’s recent announcement to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that it had begun preliminary negotiations with Noble Energy for the acquisition of 19.9% of Noble’s share in Block 12 offshore Cyprus.

Greek industrial group Mytilineos and the country’s second-biggest oil refiner Motor Oil have submitted a binding bid to supply natural gas to Cyprus’ state gas company (DEFA), Mytilineos said recently.

Cyprus from an example to avoid has become an example to follow, Pierre Moscovici, EU Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Union said in an interview with CNA, adding that the Cypriot economy has made remarkable progress following two years of an adjustment programme.

Cyprus is now part of the MED transnational cooperation programme that was awarded €275 million from the European Commission, along with €224 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has laid out its first official plan of action for Cyprus, saying it would focus on repairing banks, privatisations and key infrastructure like ports.

Investors from Russia and the region have expressed interest in the purchase of the state-owned Cyprus Telecommunication Authority (CYTA), sources within the Ministry of Finance said recently.

The Cyprus Gas Public Company (DEFA) will pick the winning bidder for the temporary supply of natural gas to the island shortly, according to press reports.

Telecoms group MTN has launched its second Innovation Challenge, with the aim of supporting start-ups in the field of technology.

Noble looks set to cut its stake in Cyprus’ offshore Block 12 where the Aphrodite field is located.