Egypt, Cyprus discuss accelerating gas projects, use of Egyptian infrastructure

Egypt and Cyprus discussed accelerating projects to connect Cypriot gas resources with Egypt’s infrastructure, including the development of the Cronos and Aphrodite fields, Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said on Wednesday.

Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi met with Cypriot Energy, Commerce, and Industry Minister Michael Damianoson the sidelines of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) roundtable in Greece.

The two sides stressed the importance of accelerating the work and arrangements needed to connect gas from the Cronos field to Egyptian infrastructure and utilise existing facilities in Egypt. The project has entered the execution phase following the final investment decision by the Eni and TotalEnergies consortium, with production targeted to start in 2028.

They also discussed developments in the Aphrodite field and stressed the need to accelerate agreements and arrangements for its development, including the commercial and regulatory frameworks needed for gas supply and progress towards a final investment decision.

The two sides also discussed Cypriot discoveries being developed by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy, stressing the importance of advancing implementation of a memorandum of understanding between Egypt and the consortium to study ways to develop and market Cypriot gas and use Egyptian infrastructure to receive, liquefy and re-export it.

Badawi stressed Egypt’s keenness to advance cooperation with Cyprus, and turn discovered gas resources into production and commercial projects, while leveraging its infrastructure for receiving, transporting, processing, and liquefying gas.

Subediting: Y.Yasser