The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla, alongside Natasa Pilides, the newly appointed Cypriot Energy Minister, discussed preparations for the establishment of a direct marine pipeline between the two countries, according to a press release.

The pipeline deal entailed the transfer of natural gas from Aphrodite field in Cyprus and re-export it through Egypt. Both ministers affirmed that the deal is underway and currently coordination is underway between officials from both parties before implementing the project.

El Molla stated that Egypt aims to maximize the economic exploitation of its natural gas infrastructure through pipelines and liquefaction complexes.

The two ministers reviewed the procedures for turning the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) to the level of an inter-governmental organization to reap the benefit from the abundant natural gas available in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Additionally, they reviewed the Gas Industry Advisory Committee (GIAC) results, as well as the high-level working group of the forum’s country members.