Egypt will accelerate processes enabling Cyprus natural gas transfer to Egyptian facilities, with the first gas from the Cronos field scheduled for European delivery in 2027, Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi confirmed during high-level talks at the Presidential Palace on Friday.
The commitment emerged as President Christodoulides received Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Badra Abdelatty and Badawi, alongside Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Konstantinos Kombos and Energy Minister George Papanastasiou.
Christodoulides welcomed the Egyptian ministers by highlighting Egypt's strategic significance. "You know the importance that we attach to Egypt. Egypt for us is the most important country in the region, and we're always working to enhance our bilateral relations at all levels," he stated.
The President outlined plans to strengthen regional ties during the country's upcoming EU Council presidency. "What I would like to mention ahead of assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1st is to convey our clear political will in order to work to bring the European Union much closer to the region, and, of course, much closer to Egypt," Christodoulides said.
He announced plans for an informal EU meeting with regional leaders and extended an invitation to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. "I would be more than happy to receive President Sisi on April 23rd," he added.
Ministers discuss energy cooperation
Abdelatty emphasised Cyprus's regional importance, stating: "Cyprus is considered also as one of the most important countries to us, especially when it comes to Eastern Mediterranean. It's not only because of history. It's not only because of common values but also because of common interests of course."
The Egyptian minister outlined President Sisi's commitment to enhanced cooperation. "President Sisi has instructed his Ministers to work even harder with Cyprus in order to further enhance and deepen the bilateral relations and to implement everything agreed by the leaders of the two countries," he said.
Abdelatty stressed the need for tangible business outcomes. "We have an excellent political relationship, but we need to translate it again into a more concrete business-to-business relationship, to have concrete benefits on the people for Cyprus and the people of Egypt. We are fully committed to doing that," he noted.
The minister confirmed Egypt's commitment to regional partnerships, stating: "Our relationship with any country in this region will never, under any circumstances, of course be on the expense of our strategic relationship with Cyprus and with Greece as well."
Egypt proposed establishing a structured cooperation framework, with Abdelatty expressing his government's wish for "an action plan, like what you are going to do with India, and with other countries. To have an Action Plan with Egypt so as to focus on the implementation of what has been agreed."
He identified energy cooperation as particularly significant. "Energy and natural gas, is an extremely important sector for creating more mutual interest based on a win-win situation," alongside labour, agriculture, business and hospitality sectors.