Cyprus' constructive and stabilising role in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including efforts to mediate between energy-producing and energy-consuming countries, were the focus of President Anastasiades’ contacts in New York.

Unemployment fell on a quarterly basis in Q2 to 15.4% from 16.9%, the statistical service said recently.

Experts and companies in the field of energy take part in the first regional meeting for collaboration on ‘Safety and Environmental Protection of Offshore Oil and Gas Operations in the Eastern Mediterranean’ in Nicosia.

Gulf Air has announced twice-weekly flights between Kuwait and Larnaca in response to demand from Kuwait, it said recently.

Τhe exploratory drilling of ENI/KOGAS consortium has begun, with the drilling rig Saipem 10000 reaching the seabed of its first well at 'Onasagoras' site in the block 9 of Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

International rating agency, Capital Intelligence (CI), announced that it has raised the Bank of Cyprus' (BoC) Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to 'B-' (from 'C+'), reflecting the greatly improved capital position.

Finance Minister Georgiades did not rule out achieving a primary surplus in 2015, but said the course of the adjustment programme must be followed.

The Bank of Cyprus is understood to be close to clinching agreements to sell 10 pieces of property, it emerged recently.

Energy issues, Cyprus, the developments in the broader Middle East area and their impact on Jordan, were mainly discussed during contacts House President Yiannakis Omirou and Cypriot parliamentary delegation held recently in Amman.

The discovery of important hydrocarbons reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean could serve as a catalyst for a broader cooperation on a regional level, said President Nicos Anastasiades and President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in a joint communiqué.