Egypt, EU Discuss Partnership in Energy Field

Tarek El-Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources received on Sunday Christian Berger, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Egypt to discuss partnership initiatives and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the field of energy during the coming period.

El-Molla confirmed that the distinguished partnership between Egypt and the EU in the field of energy were reviewed in light of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides in 2018, noting that the EU is one of the biggest partners of Egypt in the energy field to help achieve its vision and support its position as a regional hub for gas and oil trading.

He pointed out that EU has been present since the launching of the first meetings of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) representing a strong addition to the forum and enhancing its role. The two parties also discussed the position of the Union’s participation in financing a project to modernize the energy strategy in Egypt until 2035.

On his part, Berger said that Egypt is at the top of the European Union’s priorities in the energy sector, stressing EU's continued support and assistance to help Egypt achieve its goals in this field.

"Egypt's continuous efforts in the Mediterranean region and its initiative to establish the EMGF cast a positive shadow over regional cooperation in the field of energy. Egypt has received full support from the European Union, which is looking forward to joining as an observer to the Forum," Berger added.

The ambassador called for a virtual meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson to discuss issues of common concern. The meeting also included the position of using hydrogen as an energy source, as one of the important areas for cooperation between the two sides in the coming period.

The EastMed Gas Forum (EMGF) is an international organization formed by Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, and Palestine. It was established as an international body on 16 January 2020. The headquarters is located in Cairo, Egypt.