Egypt, Libya agree to deepen energy cooperation, advance power link
Egypt and Libya agreed on Thursday to deepen cooperation in natural gas, oil exploration, and electricity interconnection as officials from the two countries met to strengthen economic ties and expand investment.
Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly discussed the projects with Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibeh in New Alamein City and called for a clear timetable to accelerate their implementation, according to a statement from the Egyptian Cabinet.
Madbouly said closer coordination between the two governments would help speed up joint energy projects, including petroleum refining and electricity interconnection, while supporting broader economic cooperation.
He said Egypt’s efforts to expand electricity interconnection with neighbouring countries could support regional energy trade and added that the two countries could also cooperate in fertiliser production.
Dbeibeh said Libya was committed to strengthening economic cooperation with Egypt and welcomed greater participation by Egyptian companies in Libya’s infrastructure, reconstruction, and development projects.
He also called for closer cooperation in electricity interconnection, petroleum refining, and oil and natural gas exploration. He proposed holding a joint Egyptian-Libyan business forum and exhibition to showcase investment opportunities and strengthen private-sector partnerships.
The meeting followed talks earlier on Thursday between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Libyan delegation, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to accelerate preparations for convening the Egyptian-Libyan Joint Committee.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atty said Egypt was seeking to convene the joint committee as soon as possible and expand the role of Egyptian companies in Libya’s reconstruction and development projects.
The talks were also attended by Egypt’s Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawy, and Libya’s National Oil Corporation Chairman Masoud Suleman, who discussed expanding cooperation in oil and natural gas, petroleum exploration, petroleum refining, and fertiliser production.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English