Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla held talks with Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, Dan Brouillette who is on a three-day visit to Egypt.

An official statement said on September 12.

Speaking within the framework of the first Strategic Dialogue between Egypt and the United States, discussions addressed means of enhancing bilateral ties in the field of oil and natural gas.

Both officials underscored the importance of Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) in maximizing benefits for the member countries as well as promoting the exploitation of natural gas reserves in the region.

Meantime, talks touched on the joint ventures between Egyptian and US companies in various oil industries, with a focus on the US recently operating companies in Egypt such as Exxon Mobil Corporation which play major role in raising the growth rate in crude oil and natural gas sector.

Finally, the meeting reviewed the latest steps taken by the Egyptian government aimed at transforming the country into a regional hub of energy