On the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla met with Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov, the Egyptian ministry said in a statement.

The two ministers discussed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that was agreed upon and will be signed soon between the two sides to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of using natural gas in the transportation sector as a fuel for engines through scientific and technical cooperation, capacity building, and sharing the necessary technology.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the field of converting cars to run on natural gas and the possibility of exchanging expertise in this field. The two ministers also discussed the possibility of increasing the activities of Russian companies operating in the Egyptian oil and gas sector in light of the breakthrough achieved by the sector and the investment opportunities available as a result.

Meanwhile, El Molla has also met with Felix Plasencia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela. The Venezuelan Foreign Minister expressed his country’s desire to enhance cooperation with the Egyptian side in the field of oil and gas, especially in light of the regional role that Egypt plays in the Middle East, as the two countries have great expertise in the field.

El Molla welcomed the Venezuelan side’s interest in coordinating this meeting, stressing the need to work on expanding the scope of cooperation between the two sides.

The Egyptian minister further met with Mohamed Hamel, Secretary-General of the GECF. El Molla pointed out his confidence in the Secretary General’s ability to facilitate the success and progress of the GECF and the importance of the Forum and its role in coordinating cooperation in the field of gas among the member countries.