New cairo: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides have overseen the signing of a framework agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in the natural gas sector. The agreement was signed by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Cypriot Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry Michael Damianos during the 9th edition of the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2026), which is taking place from March 30 to April 1 at the Al-Manara International Conference Center.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the Cypriot president expressed his appreciation for the new agreement, emphasizing the partnership's importance amid regional challenges. He highlighted energy as a central component of the enduring partnership between Egypt and the European Union. A documentary showcasing areas of joint cooperation between the two countries was presented before the agreement signing ceremony.

Following the signing, Presidents Sisi and Christodoulides inaugurated the EGYPS 2026 event and toured various pavilions, including those of Egypt's Petroleum Ministry, Apache Corporation, Cyprus's Energy Ministry, and Dragon Oil. The presidential spokesman, Mohamed El-Shennawy, noted that prior to the event, the two leaders held bilateral talks focusing on strengthening ties, particularly in energy cooperation.

President Sisi expressed Egypt's eagerness to elevate its relationship with Cyprus to a 'strategic partnership', citing the importance of their deep ties and coordination in regional and international settings. President Christodoulides, in his response, conveyed gratitude for President Sisi's dedication to fostering cooperation across all sectors and expressed pride in the pivotal relationship between Cyprus and Egypt.