Egypt considers exporting gas to Cyprus via Syria

Egypt yesterday began talks with Syria and Cyprus on technical and economic cooperation in exporting Egyptian natural gas to Cyprus.

The Egyptian side at the talks was led by Oil Minister Sameh Fahmi. Syrian Oil Minister Mohamed Maher Jamal and Cypriot Industry and Trade Ministry Nicos Rolandis.

Following the meeting, Fahmi said it was decided to set up committees to study exporting Egypt's natural gas to Cyprus via Syria after the latter starts operating a land pipeline in the first half of 2003. The fuel will be transferred to Cyprus in 2006.

'A joint committee was also formed to study the economic and technical feasibility of extending a naval pipeline from Syria's Benias Port to Cyprus, and the possibility of extending the pipeline to other European markets through Cyprus,' Fahmi said.

Fahmi added that the Cypriot side expressed willingness to buy oil products like benzene and solar oil that keep pace with environment standardization.