Rashwan noted that the agreement is a commercial contract
governed by market rules and international investment mechanisms, entirely free
from political use or interpretation.
The head of the State Information Service stressed that the
parties to the deal are well-known international energy companies, including
the U.S.-based Chevron, alongside Egyptian firms specialized in gas reception,
transport, and trading, with no direct government intervention in the
contracts.
Rashwan said the agreement serves a clear strategic interest
for Egypt, aiming to strengthen its position as the sole regional hub for gas
trading in the Eastern Mediterranean. This relies on advanced infrastructure
and substantial investments in liquefaction facilities and transport networks,
ensuring the sustainable operation of these assets and maximizing their
economic benefits.
He added that Egypt possesses a comprehensive and advanced
natural gas infrastructure, enabling the country to diversify gas reception
sources across multiple routes and partners without exposure to pressure or
restrictions, providing significant flexibility in managing the sector.
The infrastructure includes liquefaction plants, transport
networks, and storage and handling capacities, reinforcing Egypt’s ability to
make economic decisions based solely on its national interests.
Rashwan cautioned against being swayed by propaganda or
hostile media campaigns attempting to politicize a commercial agreement. He
stressed that the timing of the announcement does not change the fact that the
agreement is the result of prior commercial negotiations conducted according to
market rules.
He firmly affirmed that Egypt’s stance on the Palestinian
issue remains steadfast and unchanged, based on supporting the legitimate
rights of the Palestinian people, rejecting forced displacement, and adhering
to a two-state solution.
Rashwan highlighted that Egyptian actions and diplomacy
played a decisive role in thwarting displacement plans and proposing a path for
Gaza reconstruction, as emphasized in the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh
summit, reflecting the consistency of Egypt’s political and ethical position.