Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, underscored Egypt’s capacity as a vital energy bridge between the Caspian region and Europe. He highlighted the country’s strategic geographic position and advanced infrastructure in natural gas, petroleum refining, handling, storage, and export, which collectively reinforce its position as a regional hub for energy trade.

Badawi delivered these remarks during the ministerial session of Baku Energy Week in Azerbaijan’s capital, attended by ministers, senior officials, and energy sector decision-makers from across the globe.

Badawi stressed that natural gas will remain a key component of the global energy mix in the coming period, alongside the expansion of renewable energy projects and efforts to reduce emissions. He noted that Egypt attaches great importance to strengthening regional and international cooperation and exchanging expertise in the oil and gas industry, thereby enhancing its role as a regional hub for energy trade and commerce in the region.

On the sidelines of his participation in Baku Energy Week, Badawi met with Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The discussions between the two ministers centered on expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, drawing on Egypt’s petroleum and natural gas infrastructure and its pivotal role as a regional hub for energy trading, transportation, and supply to European markets.  Both sides also examined opportunities for regional cooperation and integration, while capitalizing on the competitive advantages of each country.

Moreover, Badawi also met with Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Türkiye, to follow up on their  talks in April in Istanbul and discuss cooperation in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Both sides explored opportunities to expand Turkish investments in the Egyptian mining sector, particularly in light of the Turkish company OZ Mining expressing interest in gold exploration in the Eastern Desert following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the company and the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA).

With respect to the energy sector, the two ministers emphasized the importance of enhancing regional energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and building upon assets, infrastructure, and the distinguished geographical location possessed by Egypt and Türkiye, to support efforts to achieve energy security, enhance regional integration, and realize the mutual interests of both sides.

Recognized as one of the foremost international energy gatherings, Baku Energy Week convenes representatives from 44 countries, including Egypt, to advance global cooperation and build strategic partnerships across diverse energy sectors.