Egypt says offshore gas discoveries bolster ties with Cyprus

Egypt says offshore gas discoveries bolster ties with Cyprus
A pump jack operates in the Permian basin oil and natural gas production area near Odessa, Texas, U.S., February 10, 2019. (Reuters)
Updated 31 July 2019
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Egypt says offshore gas discoveries bolster ties with Cyprus

Egypt says offshore gas discoveries bolster ties with Cyprus
  • Minister Sameh Shoukry said Egypt looks forward to working with Cyprus in fully utilizing energy reserves
  • Shoukry said a partnership between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece serves as an “important catalyst” for region

NICOSIA: Egypt’s foreign minister says hydrocarbon finds in the eastern Mediterranean have bolstered an already “strong partnership” with neighboring Cyprus.
Minister Sameh Shoukry said after talks Wednesday with Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides that Egypt looks forward to working with Cyprus in fully utilizing energy reserves.
Egypt’s top diplomat said he’s hopeful the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum will help open new avenues of cooperation and policy coordination between the two countries.
Shoukry said a trilateral partnership between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece serves as an “important catalyst” for regional prosperity and stability. He said Egypt will host the seventh summit of the three nations’ leaders later this year.
Christodoulides said European Union member Cyprus would continue to advocate for stronger EU-Egypt ties in order to more effectively address regional challenges.