Lebanon’s Minister of Energy and Water Nada Boustani inaugurated a consultation workshop with a number of oil and gas companies, the Lebanese National News Agency reported.

The workshop was held at Beirut’s Crowne Plaza Hotel and aimed to promote the second bid round for licenses to explore Lebanon’s offshore crude oil and natural gas resources.

Lebanon is exerting efforts with other countries in the region to bolster cooperation in the energy sector, according to the minister, who explained that expected natural gas discoveries will be directed for the electricity plan that was recently approved by the Cabinet.

In addition, Boustani noted that talks with Egypt are still underway to reactivate the Arab Gas Pipeline.

Boustani highlighted the commitment of the ministry and the government to promote and enhance the petroleum sector in Lebanon by attracting international companies to invest in exploration and production (E&P) activities.