Energy was the main focus of discussions between President Nikos Christodoulides and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. This bilateral engagement highlighted significant developments in natural gas cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt.
Focus on Natural Gas Fields
According to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the leaders made “particular reference” to the Kronos and Aphrodite natural gas fields. These fields are located in Block 6 and Block 12 of Cyprus’ maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Plans are underway for the transportation of natural gas from both fields to Egypt, where it will be liquefied before export.
Broader Energy Cooperation
In addition to the specific fields, Christodoulides and Madbouly discussed broader projects involving interconnections in electricity and renewable energy. Letymbiotis noted the importance Cyprus places on regional cooperation, especially with Egypt, as the Republic prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of next year.
Strengthening EU-Egypt Relations
The two leaders also focused on enhancing relations between the European Union and Egypt. Christodoulides affirmed Cyprus’s commitment to supporting Egypt within the EU framework, emphasising the significance of the upcoming EU-Egypt summit scheduled for October 22.
Support on the Cyprus Issue
During their discussions, Christodoulides expressed appreciation for Egypt’s longstanding support regarding the Cyprus issue, both bilaterally and in international organisations. This collaboration has been pivotal in fostering a supportive environment for Cyprus on the global stage.
Regional Developments and Stability
Moreover, the leaders exchanged views on pressing regional developments, including the situations in Gaza, Lebanon, Libya, and Sudan. They shared a mutual understanding of the need for political solutions to prevent further destabilisation in these areas.
Timeline of Cooperation
Earlier this month, Egyptian officials visited Nicosia to announce plans for exporting natural gas from Cyprus’ EEZ to Europe via Egypt by 2027, contingent on a final investment agreement with the consortium comprising French multinational Total and Italian energy company Eni. The Egyptian government has been designated as the “host government” for Block 6.
Infrastructure and Future Prospects
Given the proximity of the Kronos reservoir to Egypt’s Zohr gas field, Eni will leverage its existing infrastructure to transport Cypriot natural gas to the Segas liquefied natural gas terminal in Damietta. Energy Minister George Papanastasiou explained that the planned agreements will cover the entire supply chain, from liquefaction in Damietta to export to Europe.
Ongoing Developments and Agreements
Seabed surveys commenced in June to identify a sinking point for the pipeline transporting natural gas from Cyprus’ EEZ to Egypt for liquefaction. This follows a significant agreement signed by the governments of Cyprus and Egypt, along with American multinational corporation Chevron, Israeli energy firm NewMed Energy, and BG Group, owned by Royal Dutch Shell. This agreement aims to establish a framework for the effective commercialisation of gas from the Aphrodite field.
Future Cooperation with Egypt
Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi remarked on the potential for further cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt in energy development. He noted that while discussions have primarily centred on the Kronos gas field, there is substantial progress regarding the development of the Aphrodite gas field through facilities in Egypt.
“Our cooperation in the energy sector with the Republic of Cyprus is very important and is expanding daily,” Badawi stated. “We are here to support the Republic of Cyprus in the full development of its energy reserves, so that it can exploit them and make them available to its citizens and to European markets which need energy.”
