Egyptian and Cypriot officials met to discuss hydrocarbon cooperation, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

The Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla, met with the Executive Manager of Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (CHC), Demetris Fessas, and Andreas Koutsoulides, the Trade Manager for the company.

The officials discussed how Cyprus could send individuals to Egypt for training and could draw upon Egypt’s experience, particularly in regard to oil and gas agreements, according to El Molla.

The minister noted the ties between the two countries, especially in terms of exploration and production (E&P) activities in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Cypriot delegation, for its part, indicated its interest in increasing cooperation in the oil and gas sector, especially in light of Egypt’s aim to become a regional and natural gas trading hub.

The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), Ossama El Bakly.

Established in 2014, CHC is a national oil and gas company and is authorized to take actions on behalf of the government for the development of Cyprus’ maritime oil and gas reserves.

The company’s CEO, Panos Kelamis, recently stated that CHC was seeking links to Egypt’s natural gas industry, Cypriot media reported.