Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and Cyprus explore new horizons of cooperation in mining and energy
In a significant step towards deepening bilateral relations, Egypt and Cyprus have expressed mutual interest in expanding their cooperation into the mining sector, building on their longstanding collaboration in energy.
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Karim Badawi, met with Cyprus’s Ambassador to Egypt, Mrs. Polly Ioannou, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting was also attended by Eng. Mahmoud Abdelhamid, Executive Managing Director of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS).
During the discussions, Minister Badawi emphasized the robust ties between the two nations, both at the governmental and popular levels. He highlighted the fruitful energy partnership, particularly the linkage of Cypriot gas fields to Egypt's liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, which enables export to European markets.
Moving beyond energy, the Cypriot ambassador praised the recent surge of interest and reforms in Egypt’s mining industry. Mrs. Ioannou conveyed messages from several Cypriot mining companies that are eager to invest in this vital sector, drawn by Egypt’s legislative reforms and its renewed appeal to foreign investors.
Egypt’s minister warmly welcomed this interest, noting President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus’s ongoing support for an ever-closer strategic partnership. He reiterated Egypt’s readiness to facilitate investments and to provide all necessary support so that both nations can benefit from collaboration, not just in gas, but now in mining as well.
“The door is open for Cypriot investment in Egypt’s mining sector, and we look forward to working together to take bold, serious steps in the near future,” Minister Badawi stated.