Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon to set up pan-Arab natural gas network

Energy ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon agreed to set up a Beirut-based pan-Arabia natural gas organization and another Arab company for the transport and marketing of gas to be based in Damascus.

In statements following a meeting grouping ministers of the four states yesterday, Minister of Petroleum Sameh Fahmy said it was agreed to identify the objectives of the prospective organization to coordinate work between natural gas companies in the four states and will be assigned with quality control, enlarge the four-state natural gas pipeline scheme and promote natural gas exports.

The ministers agreed on a blueprint on setting up a natural gas company to be assigned with the transport and marketing of Arab-produced natural gas, said Fahmy.

The company will be assigned with the transport of natural gas between Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon to countries to be approved by the would-be authority as well as funding the construction, operation and maintenance of the pipeline, he added.

Fahmy described the scheme as a landmark in the Arab cooperation history.

On selling the gas to a third party, such as Israel, Fahmy said that according to the agreement, supplying or importing from any third party requires the approval of the four states.

On his part, Syrian Oil Minister Ibrahim Haddad said the project is important for future regional cooperation with Cyprus, Turkey and Europe.

He added that any Arab states could join it, either as an importer or exporter.