Egypt, Cyprus discuss speeding offshore gas projects at Washington talks

Egypt and Cyprus discussed ways to accelerate investment in offshore natural gas projects during talks in Washington on Monday, including progress on the Aphrodite and Cronos fields and plans to export Cypriot gas through Egyptian liquefied natural gas facilities.

Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy and Cypriot Energy Minister Michael Damianos met on the sidelines of the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), where they reviewed progress on joint energy projects and efforts to advance final investment decisions.

The ministers discussed developments at the Aphrodite gas field and welcomed progress made since agreements signed during the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES) in 2025 and 2026.

They also reviewed the Cronos gas field, with both sides discussing steps to accelerate development and facilitate the transportation of Cypriot gas to Egypt for processing and liquefaction before export to international markets.

Egypt has positioned itself as a regional gas-export hub through its liquefied natural gas facilities at Idku and Damietta, which provide export infrastructure for gas producers across the Eastern Mediterranean.

The two ministers said advancing gas development projects would support regional energy cooperation and help unlock additional resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.

They also discussed expanding cooperation in mining, emissions reduction technologies, hydrogen development, carbon management, technical training and knowledge-sharing initiatives linked to the energy transition.