Egypt, Syria discuss gas cooperation, energy infrastructure rehabilitation

Egypt and Syria discussed expanding natural gas cooperation and supporting the recovery of Syria’s energy sector during a meeting between their energy ministers in Washington, including plans linked to the Arab Gas Pipeline and potential infrastructure projects.

Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy and Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir met on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), where they reviewed progress on implementing a memorandum of understanding covering natural gas cooperation.

The two sides discussed procedures related to a potential gas supply agreement through the Arab Gas Pipeline, a regional network linking several Arab countries, and explored opportunities for Egyptian companies to participate in rebuilding Syria’s energy infrastructure.

Badawy said Egypt’s experience across the oil and gas industry and its energy infrastructure could support future cooperation with Syria.

The ministers also discussed a possible role for Egyptian engineering and construction firms, including ENPPI and Petrojet, in rehabilitation and development projects in Syria’s energy sector.

In addition to infrastructure projects, the two countries reviewed opportunities for technical training, capacity building and the exchange of expertise.

Syria’s energy sector has suffered extensive damage during years of conflict, leaving much of the country’s production, transportation and processing infrastructure in need of rehabilitation.

The two sides agreed to continue coordination and examine the establishment of a technical mechanism to monitor implementation of agreed projects and identify additional areas for cooperation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser