Egypt- Cyprus natural gas talks

Minister of Petroleum Sameh Fahmi and a visiting Cypriot delegation led by minister of commerce and industry Nicos Rolandis probed on Sunday prospects of exporting egyptian natural gas to Cyprus through pipelines or liquidation by the year 2006.

Following the talks Fahmi said the two sides discussed means of activating bilateral cooperation in the fields of oil and gas industries, exchange of technical enterprise in the various fields and training of Cypriot staff at the egyptian specialized centers.

Egypt’s supply of natural gas to Cyprus acquires a special importance, as it will be used as an alternative to conventional fuel currently used by the power plants in Cyprus, rolandis said. He noted that this step would enhance Cyprus development plan, especially for his country's preparations to join the European Union (EU).

This step, the Cypriot Minister added, promotes the economy in both countries and opens new domains for future cooperation.