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Christodoulides-Saudi Foreign Minister, discuss possibility of two countries’ electricity interconnection

President Nikos Christodoulides has discussed with Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the possibility of the electricity interconnection of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Cyprus, the CNA has learned.

On the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the President of the Republic on 24 September met with Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with whom he discussed the security situation in the Middle East, the deepening of bilateral relations and the current developments on the Cyprus issue.

According to information CNA has obtained, the President of the Republic also discussed with the Saudi Foreign Minister the possibility of electricity interconnection between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Cyprus.

After the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, Saudi Arabia is the third country in the Arab world to express interest in participating in this major project, the same sources said.

The End of an Era: From Woolworth in 1971 to the Sale of ERA in 2025

The humble beginnings of the first Woolworth department store in 1971, strategically located at the bustling intersection of Makariou and Diogenis Akritas streets in Nicosia, marked the dawn of an expansive retail journey for the CTC Group.

Fast forward over five decades, and this journey reaches a new milestone with the sale of the iconic ERA department stores in 2025. This transition signifies not only the closing of one chapter but the beginning of another in Cyprus’ retail industry.

The Evolution of Retail Giants

Since its inception by the Ermes Department Stores Plc, Woolworths saw major developments including key openings like Woolworth Apollo in Limassol in 1987, and the country’s largest, Woolworth Olympia, in 1992.

Spanning several cities, Woolworths became synonymous with a robust retail experience. As times changed, so did the brand, evolving into ERA Department Stores after ending ties with Debenhams in 2020.

A Bold New Future for ERA

In a strategic move, Ermes Department Stores Plc has transferred its ERA stores to Gencom Ltd for a symbolic €1, despite operating losses mounting to €1.3 million in 2024.

What’s next for ERA under Gencom Ltd? Speculation suggests that this bold acquisition by a prominent retail player could redefine the shopping landscape. With no immediate rebranding plans, the ERA name stays, ensuring continuity for its loyal customer base.

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