French energy giant Total wants to expand its presence into block 8 of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters at the presidential palace after the meeting between President Nicos Anastasiades and the Regional Director of Total, Stephane Michel, Lakkotrypis said the discussion had been constructive.
"The next steps in the exploration programme were discussed and one of the most important issues was the interest by Total in participating in block 8," he said.
Block 8 was licensed to Italy's ENI and "now we see interest by the French company to grow in this segment. It is a very important development that strengthens the [ENI-Total] consortium and expand its presence in Cyprus' EEZ," Lakkotrypis added.