Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday, March 30, 2026, oversaw the signing of a framework agreement aimed at advancing natural gas cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was signed by Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Michael Damianos during the 9th edition of the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2026), held from March 30 to April 1 at the Al-Manara International Conference Center. The signing ceremony marked a new step in strengthening natural gas cooperation, underscoring the importance both governments attach to energy collaboration amid ongoing regional challenges.
Speaking at the event, President Christodoulides highlighted the significance of the partnership in the energy sector, noting that cooperation in this field continues to serve as a cornerstone of relations between Egypt and the European Union. According to presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy, a documentary presentation outlining key areas of joint engagement between Egypt and Cyprus preceded the formal signing. Following the agreement, the two leaders officially inaugurated EGYPES 2026 and toured several pavilions, including those of Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry, Apache Corporation, Cyprus’s Energy Ministry, and Dragon Oil. These activities further reflected the expanding scope of natural gas cooperation and broader energy collaboration between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, President Sisi and President Christodoulides held bilateral discussions that focused on deepening ties, with particular emphasis on the energy sector. During the talks, President Sisi expressed Egypt’s intention to elevate its relationship with Cyprus to a “strategic partnership,” citing longstanding coordination and shared interests in regional and international arenas. The discussions reinforced the strategic importance of natural gas cooperation as a key pillar in advancing mutual economic and energy objectives.
Cyprus’ President Christodoulides, in turn, conveyed his appreciation for Egypt’s sustained efforts to strengthen bilateral relations across multiple sectors. He emphasised Cyprus’s recognition of what he described as a pivotal relationship with Egypt, highlighting the growing alignment between the two countries. The agreement signed at EGYPES 2026 reflects a continuation of this trajectory, positioning natural gas cooperation as a central driver of engagement as both nations navigate evolving regional dynamics and pursue closer integration in the energy domain.
