ABU DHABI, 28th May 2025 (WAM) -- Meropi Christofi, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the UAE, emphasised the importance of modernising water distribution networks to integrate renewable energy sources during her participation in the World Utilities Congress 2025.

Speaking at a ministerial panel titled "Empowering energy security through strategic cross-border water cooperation," the Ambassador stressed that injecting millions in public funds into water infrastructure projects is a necessity that cannot be overlooked. She called for the close involvement of the private sector in the implementation of these projects to ensure the desired impact is achieved.

Ambassador Christofi highlighted that, as an EU member state, Cyprus benefits from European government funding and the Just Transition Fund.

She also expressed appreciation for the European Investment Bank's prioritisation of water infrastructure projects and confirmed that Cyprus is currently implementing several initiatives in cooperation with the bank. She concluded by reaffirming that such efforts are impossible without adequate financial support.

In statements to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Christofi said that Cyprus and the UAE enjoy close and growing cooperation, describing both nations as a positive example of cross-border collaboration.

She noted that this partnership was effectively demonstrated through the UAE's provision of water desalination units with a production capacity of 50,000 cubic metres, which directly supported Cyprus in addressing the water scarcity challenges it faces.

Christofi described this initiative as a model of how nations can unite to assist one another, underscoring that it stands as a positive and replicable example of international cooperation, especially in strategic sectors like water and energy.