Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, met with Eni executives to discuss accelerating the development of new discoveries, raising production and expanding the Italian energy company’s exploration activities in Egypt.
The meeting brought together Diego Portoghesi, Eni’s Executive Vice President for North Africa and the Levant; Andrea Barbieri, General Manager of Eni Egypt; and Mahmoud Abu El-Yazid, Deputy General Manager.
Badawi stressed the importance of accelerating development of the Denise gas field in the Mediterranean to bring it online. He also called for closer coordination among all parties and clear timelines to speed up production and make use of the field’s resources.
The two sides also reviewed progress at the Mleha facility in the Western Desert, where construction is nearing completion. Badawi said the project remains a priority because it could add new gas volumes from discoveries in the area once operations begin.
The meeting also covered the development of Cyprus’ Cronos gas field and plans to connect it to Egypt’s infrastructure following the partners’ final investment decision (FID). Badawi reaffirmed the ministry’s support for completing the required procedures and accelerating work to bring the field’s gas to market.
Eni executives reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the ministry, speeding up ongoing projects and increasing exploration and production activities in Egypt.
The latest discussions follow Eni’s April 2026 announcement of a gas and condensate discovery in Egypt’s Temsah Concession. The Denise W 1 well indicated around 2 trillion cubic feet of gas initially in place and 130 million barrels of associated condensates, according to the company.
