A Joint Statement Between Egypt, "Israel" on Gas Liquefaction
A joint statement by the Israeli and Egyptian ministries of energy was released, discussing plans on liquefying and re-exporting Israeli gas.
Egyptian Petroleum Minister Tarek El-Molla discussed with Israeli Energy Minister Karine Elharrar future plans for gas liquefaction and cooperation between the two states. A joint statement was released, marking a first for the ministries.
According to the statement published on Monday, during bilateral phone talks, the two sides discussed ongoing cooperation in the field of natural gas and plans regarding receiving natural gas to be liquefied in Egyptian natural gas liquefaction plants for re-export. The cooperation was discussed within the framework of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGS).
Egyptian Petroleum Minister Tarek El-Molla considered that "Reinforcing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of natural gas among the members of the EMGS will have a substantial impact and will extend beyond the Eastern Mediterranean region.”
Elharrar added: "Egypt is an important partner for Israel in all fields…and the geographical proximity, in addition to the similarity of environmental characteristics, gives this cooperation in the energy sector great significance."
The Egyptian minister had agreed with the former Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, during a meeting between them last February, to work on concluding a government agreement to link the Israeli gas field "Leviathan" with the units for liquefying Egyptian natural gas through the offshore pipeline.