Welcome address
Public Affairs Executive Director,
International Gas Union - IGU
Mr. Menelaos (Mel) Ydreos
*
Honorary Chair of CYPGastech 2018
Your Excellencies
Distinguished executives
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am delighted to have been asked to serve as the Honorary Chair of CYPGasTech2018.
As a native Cypriot, I have followed the important developments of the East Mediterranean with keen interest.
I am delighted that this forum brings together subject matter experts to discuss the key gas findings of the East
Med and the challenges and opportunities that they bring. I am a firm believer that the development of the
Gas resources in the East Med can be a significant lever towards greater regional stability, cooperation, and
the improvement of the quality of life.
There is increasing recognition that natural gas has a vital economic and environmental role in a sustainable
energy future. As such, the East Med findings open up opportunities that would otherwise not be available. As
we have seen Egypt in recond time go from an importer of LNG to an exporter again, so can the rest of the
countries in the East Med. However, regional cooperation and collaboration to develop the most cost-
effective means of monetizing these resources will be extremely important.
Over the next two days, I look forward to hearing from the many experts.
A great big thanks to Zomidea Events for the excellent organization for such an important event.
Thank you!