Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has signed an agreement to establish the East Mediterranean Gas Forum’s (EMGF) Headquarters, which will be located in Cairo, and launched the official EMGF website during the fifth ministerial meeting of the forum held on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the ministry.

During the meeting, El Molla stated that EMGF is redefining the concept of energy through cooperation and commitment, adding that the forum could ensure the prosperity of the EMGF’s member countries and everyone in the region.

He added that the forum has become an international organization and an important platform for regional gas activities that ensure successful regional economic cooperation to ease political tensions and attract global attention.

The ministerial meeting also discussed the latest updates on the forum’s activities, including the recent developments relating o the creation of the four task forces that were discussed in the previous meeting.

EMGF’s member countries also reviewing during the meeting the European Union (EU)-backed study on regional natural gas and the balance of supply and demand in the energy market. 

Moreover, the meeting witnessed the ratification of establishing the forum’s general secretariat, approving the timetable for appointing the permanent secretary-general, which will start in January 2022, in addition to the forum’s budget for 2021 and 2022.

Both the World Bank (WB) and European Union (EU) joined EMGF as observes.

Natasa Pilides, Cyprus Minister of Energy, stated that EMGF’s development proves its ability to create a successful regional gas market.

She added that natural gas is a clean and good source of energy that keeps pace with the global laws and latest trends towards clean energy.

The member countries agreed to hold the next ministerial meeting in Q4 2021 in Cairo.