As many as 89 companies have expressed an interest in researching for hydrocarbons in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus in the context of the second round of licensing that includes 12 blocks, said Neoklis Sylikiotis, the island’s Minister for Trade.

These companies have already acquired the seismic data about the survey for reserves of natural gas and more may well follow, ahead of the open bidding process set for May 11, Sylikiotis told state television CyBC.

The Trade Minister stressed that this commitment to an open tender adds prestige to both the process and the Republic of Cyprus.

He added that Denmark, that holds the rotating presidency of the European Union from January until June, will examine the funding regulations concerning natural gas infrastructure and transmission in the upcoming EU Energy Ministers’ Council.

The energy matters will be at the focus of discussions that Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will have with the Cypriot government from Monday when he arrives in Nicosia for an official three-day visit. Later this year Sylikiotis will visit Tel Aviv.