Minister Badawi was accompanied by Engineer Yassin Mohamed
Ahmed, Executive Managing Director of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company
(EGAS); Engineer Moataz Atef, Undersecretary for the Minister’s Technical
Office and Ministry Spokesperson; and Dr. Mohamed El-Bagoury, Head of the
Central Legal Affairs Department at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral
Resources.
The meeting was held as part of the Steering Committee for
the Cronos gas field development, where both sides reviewed the project’s
progress and reiterated their commitment to the agreed timeline. Discussions
also covered the near-finalization of technical and operational agreements, paving
the way for a final investment decision later this year. The project targets
connecting the field to Egypt’s infrastructure and liquefaction facilities by
2027.
Badawi reaffirmed Egypt’s full readiness to implement the
project, stressing the strategic importance of establishing a new regional
energy corridor that would enhance cooperation and deliver mutual benefits. He
also emphasized Egypt’s commitment to resolving any potential obstacles that
may delay progress.
The two ministers also followed up on developments related
to the Aphrodite gas field, particularly the executive agreements and the
ongoing marine surveys for the proposed pipeline route. These surveys are
currently underway within the exclusive economic zones of both countries, in
preparation for linking the field to Egyptian facilities.
Badawi extended an invitation to his Cypriot counterpart to
visit Egypt during the next Steering Committee session, including site visits
to the gas processing facilities in Port Said and the liquefaction terminal in
Damietta.
This cooperation reflects the two countries’ commitment to deepening energy ties, optimizing available resources to foster regional integration, meet the growing demand for natural gas, and strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for energy trade and distribution.