Syria, Egypt hold talks on gas cooperation project

Egypt's Minister of petroleum and Mineral Resources Sameh Fahmi conferred Friday with his Syrian counterpart Ibrahim Hadad currently visiting Egypt on the executive programs of an Arab gas pipeline venture, whose second stage is implemented by the Egyptian oil sector companies.

The second 300-million dollar stage involving exportation of gas to Jordan is expected to end by December. The two sides also discussed means of speeding up the implementation of the project.

Fahmi in statements said the Arab gas pipeline is a distinguished model for further strategic Arab cooperation. The project is an economic artery that would serve Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon as well as Turkey and Europe at a later stage.

The Syrian official lauded Egypt's efforts to render the Arab project a success, and said there were various spheres in which bath countries could co operate, including petrochemicals and gas industries.