Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has discussed accelerating agreements to connect Cyprus’s Aphrodite gas field to Egyptian infrastructure, as Egypt and Chevron work to move the project toward implementation.

Badawi discussed the project during a videoconference with Javier La Rosa, Chevron’s President of Base Assets and Emerging Countries, alongside company executives. The meeting also reviewed Chevron’s activities in Egypt and possible expansion in Mediterranean gas exploration.

Badawi stressed the need to finalize the technical, financial and commercial frameworks and related timelines. He said high-level political support for gas cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus provides momentum for completing the project’s remaining tracks.

The meeting also covered Chevron’s plans to expand natural gas exploration in Egypt, particularly in the Western Mediterranean. Badawi said the petroleum sector will continue supporting international companies seeking to increase exploration and drilling activities.

Moreover, La Rosa affirmed Chevron’s commitment to continuing its activities and investments in Egypt and strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) and its partners. He also praised the ministry’s support for accelerating joint agreements and projects.

The latest talks come as Egypt and Chevron approach a previously targeted September 2026 deadline for completing the main Aphrodite agreements. In June, Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) and Chevron agreed to intensify follow-up meetings and accelerate reviews of draft agreements ahead of the deadline.

The June discussions also covered engineering work for the field’s floating production unit, offshore pipelines, and gas transportation and processing system, with the agreements expected to support progress toward a final investment decision.